#(( TINY BABY RAE I CRY ))

[ambitionsource]

AMBITION “For Better, For Worse” [ 4.12 ]♮Part 2

INT. PARIS HOTEL - PENTHOUSE SUITE - DAY

Rae opens her door with a flourish, hair up in a towel and plush bathrobe on. Her smile is vibrant even without makeup, and she eagerly ushers Riley inside the room for the pre-wedding glam session.

All the ladies and non-binary pals of the wedding parties have gathered in Rae’s fancy suite to get ready together, the model herself giving makeup tips and the best way to style their hair if they’re unsure. ANGELA HUNTER-MOORE is also in attendance, amusing everyone with how adorable baby NAOMI HUNTER-MOORE looks in her tiny ceremony dress.

Riley hasn’t yet changed, still in sweats and a camisole with her garment bag in hand. She comes to join Isa by one of the vanities, kneeling down next to their chair.

Riley: How are you feeling? Isa: Me? Fine. It’s not like it’s my wedding. Riley: I know. But I know you were nervous about the… [ gesturing vaguely ] muchness of it all. Isa: Oh. Yeah, well, you know…

They’re hanging in there. So far. It’s a fresh start to a very packed day, though, so how they fare remains to be seen. Morgan interrupts to pull Riley aside, insisting that they do one another’s makeup in Matthews family tradition.

Eric emerges from the spacious penthouse closet, somewhat dressed in his tuxedo but missing the suit jacket. He’s sporting a pretty cotton dress shirt.

Eric, uncertain: Rae? You wanted to chime in on my hair? Rae: Ooh, yes, yes. Be right there, Eric, darling.

Rae clearly trained in the same school as Dylan in terms of adopting the loved ones of your loved ones at lightning speed. She starts to make her way across the room before she’s curtailed by another knock at the door. She pauses to answer it, Jack on the other side. He’s even less prepared than Eric, only in his dress pants and undershirt. He holds up two different ties, opening his mouth to ask a question, but he’s immediately shouted down.

Everyone: Oh my God, no!

Riley and Morgan leap up to block Eric’s view, Rae doing the same and covering Jack’s eyes. He exhales and drops his hands in surrender.

Angela: You’re not supposed to see each other -- Jack: My God, since when did all of you become superstitious? Morgan: These are theater people, Hunter. Be serious.

Well, regardless, Rae was the one who asked him to come upstairs, as she wanted final judgment on his tie. So blame her! Still covering his eyes, Rae makes a face.

Rae: Oop. Guilty as charged. We’ll settle this out in the hall, Jay Jay. Jack: You invited Eric up here too, didn’t you? You just love drama. Rae: Maybe that too. [ to the others ] BRB!

She steps outside the room with Jack to convene. Riley finishes laughing behind her hands, Morgan nudging Eric back towards the changing area.

Already this energy is a lot. Isa does their best to stay cool and collected, taking a deep breath. They decide to focus on something they can control, reaching for makeup and starting to apply their own. One thing at a time…

INT. PARIS HOTEL - R&L ROOM - DAY

They’re not the only one feeling the stakes. Lucas is anxiously pacing the floor of his room, rubbing his face as Charlie, Dylan, and Asher read through his brunch toast and workshop it.

Lucas: Is it shit? You can just tell me if it’s shit. Asher: I wouldn’t say that. It’s -- I mean, more eloquent things have been said…

Lucas grimaces, tilting his head back in exasperation. Charlie takes the scrap of paper from Asher.

Charlie: It’s not bad. Seriously, it’s not. If someone said something this nice at my wedding, I’d probably start crying. Asher: Is that saying much? Didn’t our graduation card make you cry? Charlie: Yes. I’m not saying it’s a hard objective to achieve. Asher: Oh, no judgment. When I get married, I’ll probably be crying the moment I wake up in the morning.

Yeah, well, crying is about the last thing Lucas wants. That would make an already overwhelming situation feel worse. He covers his face.

Lucas: This is so stupid. I don’t know why Jack even wanted me to speak.

Dylan snatches the draft next, waving it carelessly.

Dylan: Look, it doesn’t even matter, all right? Whatever the hell comes out of your mouth, I’ll clap so hard and give you a standing ovation and people will be so confused, they won’t even be thinking about you. Lucas: Please don’t. Charlie: I don’t know if I’d go that far, but I do think Dylan is right. Dylan: Wow. [ theatrically pushing his hair behind his ear ] Thanks, babe. Charlie: Just in that it doesn’t matter what you say. Just that you’re saying it. Asher: Yeah. Jack asked you to participate because he wants you to. That’s all. That’s the part that matters to him.

As long as he shows up, and does his best, they’re certain that’s all Jack will care about. Lucas absorbs that and tries to accept it, closing his eyes and inhaling sharply.

Speaking of, though, he needs to finish getting ready. The wedding is fast approaching. Asher gets up to help pull his look together. Dylan flops down onto the bed next to Charlie instead, propping his chin on his hand.

Dylan: So. Zay Babineaux, huh? [ crinkling his nose ] How’s it feel to be the hot girl?

Charlie can’t help but smile, amused and slightly bashful.

INT. PARIS HOTEL - RESTAURANT - DAY

Not everyone is attending the ceremony, however, so there’s time to fill. This is what Maya is trying to figure out as she has breakfast with Farkle, who is out of commission as a partner-in-crime for much of the day. Although he’s not invited to the small, intimate ceremony, he is Isa’s plus-one to the celebratory lunch afterwards, so he can’t go far.

Maya: It’s a bit bullshit that we aren’t invited to the wedding. We came all the way here. Farkle: Do you actually care that much? You’re coming to the reception tonight. Maya: Yes, by the kind courtesy of Josh Matthews to invite me as his plus-one. And as hired entertainment. Farkle: That should be the highest compliment, shouldn’t it? And they’re literally footing the bill to let you galavant around Paris. Maya: Um, correction, Rae M.G., international supermodel, is footing the bill. If we were operating on their pittance educator’s salaries, we’d be sitting in the Adams cafeteria right now.

True enough. Helps to have friends in holy spaces… anyway, Maya just begrudges not being first on any list, as any true diva would.

She’s not the only one killing time until this evening. Yindra, Nigel, and Jade approach their table on their own way out, chatting briefly about how they’re spending their afternoon. Nigel brightens.

Nigel: We’re going to see Shakespeare and Company. It’s this ultra-famous bookstore right along the Seine that -- Maya: Wow. I’ve never mentally checked out of a conversation faster.

Damn, Maya. Let the poor nerd live! Jade smiles, squeezing his arm and claiming they’re looking forward to checking out the whole scene along the Seine while they have the time. They’ve only got so long to enjoy their (almost) free pass in Paris, so best make the most of it.

Which on that note, no time to waste. Nigel and Jade tell the others they’ll catch them later, heading out of the restaurant hand-in-hand. Yindra hangs back, not in nearly as much of a rush.

Farkle: You’re not keen on the Seine scene? Yindra: Oh, no, Paris? Down. Another decrepit bookstore? Not so much.

But she hasn’t yet decided how she wants to spend the day otherwise. Farkle smiles, getting up from his seat and patting her shoulders.

Farkle: That works perfectly then. You can keep each other company.

He gently nudges her down into his vacated seat, now opposite Maya. Definitely wasn’t Yindra’s first thought, but… well, could be worse. Maya gives her a little smile, batting her eyelashes and popping a piece of fruit into her mouth.

EXT. PARIS HOTEL - ROOFTOP - DAY

Up on one level of the rooftop, the arrangements have been made for Jack and Eric’s wedding. Seats have been set up along the concrete, all facing the beautiful archway draped with ivy and springtime florals. The archway is set against the breathtaking Paris skyline, this central hotel boasting one of the best views in the city of love.

Right now, the guests are just starting to trickle in, allowing some time for the grey clouds to dissipate and let in the sunshine. ALAN MATTHEWS and AMY MATTHEWS make friendly chatter with Jack’s mother, ELAINE O’CONNOR (70s), who appears to be dominating much of the conversation.

Morgan, Josh, and Cory are taking in the view before their brother becomes the center of attention, gathered by one corner of the rooftop. Morgan whistles.

Morgan: You know, if you had told me Eric would be the one to have a destination wedding, I would not have believed it. I don’t know if I would’ve believed it for anyone. [ a beat ] Frankly, I can’t believe any of you losers have gotten married. Josh: Didn’t last long, so. Cory: Oh, fuck off, Josh. [ crossing his arms ] Honestly, it’s ridiculous that you two are in the wedding party and I’m not. Josh: I think they just wanted to keep even numbers. Jack has no siblings. Morgan: Shawn. Josh: Oh, yeah. Well, he doesn’t count. Morgan: I think it’s more like Eric wanted his least annoying siblings up there with him. Cory: Well, then, not sure what you’re doing here, Morg. I just think it’s like -- I mean, I’m the one who lived in the same city as him for years. We worked in the same building, for hell’s sake! Josh: And yet you’re confused why he wants a break…

Cory’s had about enough of Josh’s snark. The Matthews sibling bickering is legendary on a good day, but with tensions like they are right now, it’s a recipe for trouble.

Cory: Well, I guess I don’t get why he extended an invitation to you, when you’re so far apart and barely act like you’re part of the family anyway. You always put your Los Angeles career over being a brother. And how’s that going, by the way?

Bad, Cory. It’s going bad. Which Josh doesn’t need a reminder of, least of all from him. He clams up, gritting his teeth and biting back whatever bile he might want to spit back at him.

Josh: Stay bitter, Cor. It’s your color.

Josh stalks off, getting some space. Morgan shakes her head.

Cory: Well, gee, he didn’t need to get all huffy… Morgan: This family literally doesn’t know when to quit. Just read my lips, Cory -- if you all ruin Eric’s wedding, I promise, I will kill you both.

Blood or not, she will spill it if it comes down to it. Cory recedes, begrudgingly heeding her warning. We pan away from them, focusing on the Eiffel Tower just a stone’s throw away…

EXT. EIFFEL TOWER - DAY

And come at it from a different angle, panning down along its iconic frame. Once we hit the ground, we catch up with familiar faces, Charlie taking a picture of it from below with a disposable camera. He pulls it down from his face and looks instinctively at it.

Zay: I don’t get the point of that.

Charlie looks up, Zay coming up to stand by his side. He smiles naturally at the proximity, even more so at the slight frown in Zay’s features.

Charlie: It’s cool. It’s vintage. Aren’t you the one all about vintage? Zay: Yeah, I am -- when I can actually see it first. Charlie: That’s all part of the charm. You don’t know how it’s all going to turn out -- you just have to trust you’ll capture something great.

Zay doesn’t seem as won over. Ever the man with a plan, trusting in the universe has never been his favorite pastime…

But he’s made it this far. Charlie smiles wider, elbowing him playfully.

Charlie: If something is already beautiful, you don’t need to spot-check to prove it. You can have a little faith. [ a beat ] Come on, then, show me what I mean, pretty boy.

He nudges Zay forward towards the Eiffel Tower, backing up to take another picture. Zay rolls his but obliges, waiting for Charlie to roll the film. Then once he’s framed it right, Zay waits until the last minute to pull a silly face, causing Charlie to crack up as soon as he’s snapped the shot. He lowers the camera.

Charlie: Très beau.

Based on the look in his eyes, Zay is thinking something similar.

Before he can act on it, they’re interrupted, Dylan bounding over to join them and beaming at the disposable camera. He eagerly requests that Charlie take one of him, racing over to join Zay. Zay remains impressively immune to Dylan’s infectious energy, tossing Charlie and the camera a deadpan look in sharp contrast to Dylan practically radiating next to him.

Charlie grins in amusement.

Charlie: Perfect.

Dylan runs back over to Charlie, eager to look at how it turned out. Then he remembers -- oh yeah, duh, ha ha ha -- bursting into laughter that Charlie can’t help but mirror. Zay meanders his way back over more slowly, intersecting with Asher.

Zay: Y’all really couldn’t have gone and done… literally anything else. Asher, calmly: You don’t own the Eiffel Tower, Isaiah. Zay: You exist to vex me, Garcia.

Maybe so. Asher gives him an innocent smile, but there’s mischief behind those eyes. Zay scowls.

Anyway, they’re expecting more company anyway. Someone calls Charlie’s name, causing them to turn around.

EMMA and BERNÉZ, the two friends Charlie made while abroad in Malo! They’ve come to meet them in the city and show them around. Charlie beams and jogs over to greet them, exchanging kisses on the cheeks and hugs. They chat in enthusiastic French.

Emma: It’s so good to see you! You look great. Bernéz: I’ll say! Looking hot as ever, Charlie Gardner. Emma: So happy, yes? You are glowing.

Charlie blushes, thanking them. They remember they have other people in tow with them, including the French. Emma gestures for the third man with them to step forward so she can introduce him -- he’s tall, broad-shouldered, with dirty blonde hair and an undeniably broody face. In fact, standing next to Emma and Bernéz, this young Frenchman looks distinctly out of place.

And yet, Emma looks at him as if he hung all the stars in the sky. She grins.

Emma: This is my boyfriend, Louis.

No kidding. Dylan and Asher stare at them from where they’re hanging back behind Zay, exchanging a bemused look. Like… we’re all seeing this, right?

LOUIS makes no effort to speak further, so Bernéz shifts focus to Charlie’s crew. Who are his colorful friends? Charlie nods.

Charlie: This is Asher. [ off his shy wave ] And that’s his boyfriend, Dylan -- Emma: [ with a gasp ] Dylan Orlando! I’ve seen all of his videos! Dylan: Hi! [ mirroring her energy, but totally clueless ] What’s she saying? Emma: [ in English ] Sorry. Sorry, I -- I’ve seen you. DylVlogs! Dylan: Oh, well, that I understand! Hell yeah, Emma!

They exchange a high-five. At least they’ll have something to talk about, provided someone can help translate. Dylan’s endearing charm truly knows no boundaries! Zay blinks, staring at the starstruck exchange.

Zay: He’s international…

Damn right, he is. Get amongst it, Zay. Speaking of, it’s his turn for introduction. Charlie faces him.

Charlie: And this is my --

That’s where he trips up. What is the conclusion to that statement these days? They’re not officially together -- not with all the uncertainty around the future. But they’re certainly, undoubtedly more than friends. Zay raises his eyebrows at him.

Ultimately, Charlie opts to keep it simple. He holds his gaze, affectionately touching his arm.

Charlie: This is Zay.

Somehow, the label isn’t necessary anyway. Both his French friends react positively to hearing the name, recognizing it instantly. They exchange customary cheek kisses with Zay too.

Bernéz: Very cool to get to meet you. Emma: Yes, Charlie told us much about you.

It’ll take more than a foreign language to stop Charlie from talking highly about Zay Babineaux. Zay casts him a look out of the corner of his eye, unable to hide his fond smirk. Charlie blushes further, brushing some hair out of his face.

With that out of the way, it’s time to get moving! Emma and Bernéz and the silent L0uis are very much looking forward to spending a couple of hours showing them around, so there’s no time to waste.

EXT. PARIS HOTEL - ROOFTOP - DAY

Anticipation is high as the wedding nears its start. Most of the attendees for the relatively intimate ceremony have found their seats; the small wedding band is ready to play. Riley has taken a temporary spot in front of them at the microphone in her cute green chiffon dress, offering her contribution by singing their procession.

INT. PARIS HOTEL - ROOFTOP STAIRWELL - DAY

The wedding party is waiting just inside the doors, Rae making sure everyone is lined up in their proper order. Jack and Eric, for now, are out of sight.

Rae: Okay, mes amis, any minute now. Let me just make sure they’re ready up front…

Behind Jason and Jack’s college mate, Lucas and Josh have ended up next to one another for the walk. Josh compliments Lucas’s tie, a simple but nice floral swath of blues, purples, and green like Riley’s dress.

Lucas: Thanks. [ glancing at it ] It’s actually not mine. Charlie -- our friend -- let me borrow it.

Ah, yes… now that he mentions it, it does look familiar -- like the one Charlie chose to wear to his graduation party in 313. Josh shrugs. Either way, it suits him well. Makes him look dapper.

Josh: Approachable, at the very least. You’re really not nearly as scary as your reputation implies. Lucas: Uh, thanks. Josh: I told my roommate he was being ridiculous. Like you’d have a big old scar running down your face and walk around like you’re running the mafia. Anyway, you’re like, twelve. Lucas: Uh… thanks…

He’s twenty, Josh! Stop aging yourself! Anyway, they don’t get the chance to elaborate, as Rae signals it’s time to get this show on the road.

Here we go… Lucas nervously straightens his suit jacket, inhaling a deep breath…

EXT. PARIS HOTEL - ROOFTOP - DAY

And our band kicks us off, starting with a gentle piano to cue Riley in.

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “How Long Will I Love You” as performed by Ellie Goulding || Performed by Riley Matthews

Riley’s soft, enjoyable voice suits the performance perfectly, aptly setting the mood and scene for the ceremony we’re about to witness. While her voice is a strong presence, though, our focus isn’t on her for long -- by the time we’re through the first couple lines, the rooftop doors open, starting the procession and inviting the guests to spin in their chairs to watch.

Rae leads the procession, confidently strutting her way down the aisle in an emerald-hued pantsuit. Angela follows, carrying Naomi in an adorable puffy dress and helping her act as the flower girl. This basically means her tossing out flower petals from the wicker basket on her arm and occasionally letting Naomi grab fistfuls with her chubby toddler hands and throw them with force towards the ground, but it’s cute as heck, so she accomplishes her role seamlessly.

With that, the parties of each groom enter in twos -- Jason and Ben first, Morgan and Shawn next, and Josh and Lucas bringing up the rear. Riley automatically smiles a little brighter when she catches sight of Lucas, pride shining in her eyes.

How long will I want you? As long as you want me to And longer by far

Lucas meets her eyes and shyly returns the smile, then swiftly looks away so he doesn’t make a misstep from being distracted by her that ruins the whole affair. But he arrives at his spot without issue, completing the vignette.

Save for two.

Equals as always, Jack and Eric enter together. They’re coordinated charmingly to the pastel floral theme, Jack in a light grey suit with a cream-colored vest and lavender tie; Eric is sporting a classy tan suit that makes his hazel eyes pop, contrasted with a baby blue tie.

Warmth and admiration is radiating all across the rooftop as the grooms make their way down the aisle, so clearly loved by everyone in attendance. It’s glowing on everyone’s faces, etched into every smile and reflecting in each teary eye.

Particularly towards one another. When Jack and Eric arrive at the front and center, underneath the floral arch in front of Rae, those sentiments are mixed with excitement in their expressions.

Riley concludes her vocalizing to appreciative applause, especially from Jack and Eric. She blows them a kiss and offers a quick curtsy before rejoining the guests, taking her seat in the front row next to Isa.

With that, all eyes are turned towards the horizon where Jack and Eric stand. Rae clears her throat.

Rae: When Jack Hunter here asked me if I would be able to help them pull together this little event in my favorite city, I don’t think he believed I would actually do it. And I told him, Jack, baby, you clearly do not remember the things we got up to in college. Don’t give me a challenge -- you know I’m going to make it happen. Don’t threaten me with a good time!

Isa chuckles, giving Riley a pointed elbow in the side. Sound familiar? She gives them a playful look.

Rae: Then when he asked if I would be kind enough to officiate, I knew without a doubt that he had no idea what he was getting into. Little did he know I’m certified -- that’s right, blessed and credentialed, my friends -- and that I would never pass up such an opportunity. My dear friend, please know that this is one of the great, great honors of my life. It is such a privilege to be sharing this day with you.

Jack beams, mouthing a “thank you.” Her dazzling smile widens.

Rae: So now I’m going to stop talking before I get carried away and start sobbing, and just let the men of the hour take the reins. I believe each of you vowed to say something, so by all means, please, take it away.

The audience groans in humor at the pun, but that’s exactly what Rae wanted. It gives Jack and Eric the chance to breathe, to take it all in before they say the important stuff. She steps back and gives them the floor, all focus shifting to them.

Of course, their focus was already on the other. They’ve been locked on each other since they stepped into the sunlight together minutes ago. For a second, they just grin at each other, almost lost for words. Eric laughs in spite of himself.

Eric: It feels very surreal to be standing here right now. Doesn’t it? [ off Jack’s nod ] As everyone here knows, I am a former theater kid -- Jason, quickly: Still is.

Everyone laughs. Eric waves him off, but hey, he’s not wrong.

Eric: I have theater kid in my blood, and with that disclaimer, I am not responsible for if anything I’m about to say comes out melodramatic. It’s simply how we are. Okay. [ clearing his throat ] Jack. Like I said, it is an insane feeling to be standing here, looking into your eyes, thinking that we’re going to be married. For many reasons. The first of which I know you already know, and will never let me forget, which is that just a few short years ago I was convinced I could not stand you.

Another ripple of giggles. Jack nods, smirking, not at all pretending otherwise.

Eric: And I know damn well the feeling was mutual, though probably not to the same degree. Again, theater kid, and we love a big grudge, but also because you have always been more level-headed than me. More patient, not as quick to judge, despite my credentials. Wiser, too, some would say. [ off his head shake ] So it is wild to think that the man who I once dreaded confronting over this, that, and the other, or vented heatedly about in the faculty lounge, is now the one looking back at me that I cannot wait to bind myself legally to for the rest of my days. So that is the first reason. The second is that we’re doing this, and we’re standing here in Paris, with the Eiffel Tower right over there. Like, that’s crazy, right? But we made it happen. You worked to make it happen, to listen to my bold ideas and somewhat hasty desires and found ways to turn them into action. That’s one thing I love about you, about us, is the way we balance out. How even though you’re pragmatic, and a tad too skeptical at times, you let me dream. You encourage me to stay the dreamer. Even when it feels harder than usual, or the challenges more daunting. I know you are in my corner, without fail, and while I’m jogging uphill towards the stars I’m reaching for without looking down, I know you’ll be there faithfully and fastidiously building the foundation under my feet to keep me from falling. I couldn’t have dreamed up a better partner than that.

Eric has to be careful, or he’s going to make him cry… he’s already got Shawn behind him choked up, who is failing to be subtle as he swipes at his face.

Eric: And that’s the last big reason that this feels so unreal. Because you’re already my partner. Yes, it’s about to be official for government purposes, but you and I have been bonded for much longer than that. We both know that. You have been my partner for years, in every way, shape, and form. So in some ways, this feels almost… trivial. An afterthought -- though that’s not at all a comment on this beautiful, moving ceremony that our dear friends helped us pull together. [ off their laughter ] I just mean to say… Jack Hunter, I have been yours, and after today, I will continue to be your partner for as long as you’ll have me. Melodrama and all. [ clearing his throat ] Okay, I need to stop there, or I’m going to become incoherent. So. Your turn.

It’s impossible to stop the wave of giggles -- they’re that giddy, joyful kind, the ones that bubble up because you just can’t contain the way you’re feeling. Jack manages to power through his, though, taking a deep breath and centering himself by locking eyes with Eric in front of him.

Jack: Eric Matthews. Let’s be clear from the get-go that I will not be able to say nearly as much thoughtful, emotional prose as you just did, because you know that’s not how I am. I’m not as masterful with words as you, but I am going to try my best. [ off his affectionate nod ] Suffice to say, I also never would’ve predicted ending up at this spot, about to embark on this next journey with you. You’ve played many roles in my life, not all of them fondly received, but all of them essential. Essential to our journey, and, I think importantly, my journey to a better version of myself. Because from day one, Eric, you have challenged me. Dared me to see beyond my window of understanding, to question my perception, to have the substance -- and the nerve -- to justify my decisions, actions, and beliefs. Traits that may have seemed annoying at first, in my rather rigid, set-in-my-ways form of moving through life, but absolutely made me stronger in every aspect. And with time, and growth, and some begrudging-to-mutual respect, that dynamic and our relationship only became stronger, too.

He’s getting a little shaky, but he’s going to get through this. The emotional overload will just have to hold on one more minute. He reaches forward and takes Eric’s hands, squeezing them tight.

Jack: Because Eric, the thing I love most about this bizarre, surreal partnership we share is how we learn from one another. Maybe that’s the educator in me, I don’t know. But the fact that we aren’t the same, that we strengthen and challenge and inspire one another, is the steel that I know is going to keep us forged together for the rest of our lives. You don’t try to change me. You don’t expect me to be something I’m not. You embrace our differences, seek to understand my quirks, and then we find the path forward together. You love me in spite of, and somehow sometimes because of, my eccentricities and imperfections. You highlight my highs, and rightfully call out my lows, and I know I can trust you to do both with admirable accuracy and the utmost truth.

Eric nods, eyes glossing. Behind Jack, Lucas lets his gaze drift to Riley in the seats… and finds that she’s already looking at him. Light smile on her face, that way she always looks at him glimmering in her eyes.

He returns the smile.

Jack: Because you see me, Eric, the full picture. From every angle, with attention to every detail. You see me as a whole, Jack Hunter, and I will spend the rest of my life doing everything in my power to return that gift to you. I’m looking forward to continuing that pledge right now, and from every day onward.

Speaking of… they’re both eager to make this official. Jack ends less ceremoniously than Eric, stumbling a bit in excitement and turning to Rae. Once she realizes he is in fact done, she steps back up to the plate.

Rae: Before we do this, I’m cinematically obligated to ask, is there anybody who has a problem? No? I didn’t think so. Okay -- no, you all keep holding hands, that’s cute. Keep doing that. [ off their nervous laughter ] All right. Dear gentlemen, will you repeat after me?

She starts with Jack, but we see the vows exchanged intercut with one another, as if they’re happening seamlessly in sequence.

Rae: “I…” Jack: Jack Hunter. Eric: Eric Matthews. Rae: “Take thee…” Jack: Eric Matthews. Eric: Jackson “Jackie” Hunter. Jack: To be my lawfully wedded -- Eric: Husband. To have and to hold -- Jack: From this day forward. For better -- Eric: For worse -- Jack: In sickness -- Eric: And in health. To love -- Jack: And to cherish. Jack/Eric: Until death do us part.

Rae grins, gesturing subtly to Jason and Ben to hand her the rings. They do so, passing them over.

Rae: Okay, so, just to double-check. One more time, with feeling. Jack, do you take Eric -- ? Jack: I do. Rae: Beat me to the punch, all right. [ handing him a ring ] And Eric, do -- ? Eric: I do. Yes, I do. I do. Rae: Damn, okay! I get it, no time to waste.

Everyone laughs as Eric accepts his ring. They do waste no time in exchanging them, taking care to slip them on the other man’s finger. Once they’re secure, Eric naturally links his fingers through Jack’s again.

Rae: Well, by the power vested in me, I am so, so happy to pronounce you husband and husband. Please, gentlemen, kiss your man.

You don’t have to ask them twice. Jack pulls Eric in as Eric takes his face in his hands, the two of them sharing a gleeful kiss. The assembled crowd bursts into cheers and applause, Riley and Isa leaping up from their seats to give a standing ovation. Others quickly follow, the collective joy on the rooftop brighter than any early afternoon Paris sunshine.

Jack and Eric embrace tightly, just as a camera flashes to capture the moment --

EXT. PARIS HOTEL - ROOFTOP - DAY

When the flash recedes, we’re capturing a different shot, Jack and Eric set against the Eiffel Tower with Rae in-between them. Most of the guests have cleared out, on their way to the celebratory brunch, but the wedding parties are hanging back for photos.

This includes Lucas and Isa, who both look reluctant to be included in photograph evidence, but will willingly get through it for Jack and Eric. They’re up next, in fact, Rae stepping back so that the newlyweds can gesture Lucas and Isa into the frame.

Once the four of them have found the best way to arrange themselves, Isa has to comment.

Isa: Don’t you want a photo with your actual families? Think they’d be foaming at the mouth to get a family photo. Eric: Trust me, I’m aware. There will be time for that organized torture later. We have our priorities. Jack: Besides, this is guaranteed to be the cutest picture we take this afternoon. Lucas: You literally just got married. There are photos of that. Jack: I said what I said. Smile pretty, menace.

If he insists. Lucas does manage to pull through and smile pretty, resulting in a damn adorable photo of the four of them indeed.

EXT. EIFFEL TOWER - DAY

The little makeshift tour group has returned to the Eiffel Tower, another camera snapping as Zay takes a picture of Charlie with Emma and Bernéz on his disposable camera. He takes a couple more, so there’s a selection and copies to share.

Once he hands the camera back, Emma asks how they’ve all found Paris. Maya and Yindra come to join them, meeting up on the greenery and agreeing that it’s been a really lovely trip thus far.

Emma turns to Charlie.

Emma: And you, Charlie? When you came here the first time, you seemed… lost. You were searching for something. Do you think after this time, and this search, you’ve found it?

Charlie contemplates that. Obviously, he’s managed to find his way back to one lost treasure, as his eyes naturally meet Zay’s. But it’s larger than that too -- when Charlie left New York at the end of senior year, she’s right, he was looking for answers. For a sense of purpose, or at least peace. A guarantee that he’d find where he belonged.

He isn’t sure he’s figured it all out yet, or if he ever truly can. He’ll probably spend the rest of his life seeking it. But he’s miles beyond where he started, and for now, that’s enough. For now, he’s okay. He’s got the power to decide what he does next. He’s free.

And beyond that…

Charlie: Right now, I’m all about joie de vivre.

Hell yeah! That’s what we’re talking about! What’s the point of life if not to live it -- to love, to enjoy, to soak it up for all its worth?

Or as some might say, to live while we’re young, and raise some hell.

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “Raising Hell” as performed by Kesha || Performed by Charlie Gardner, Dylan Orlando, Zay Babineaux, and Asher Garcia (feat. AMBITION Ensemble)

[ Lyrics specific to characters -- follow along here! ]

Now this is a blowout party à Paris! This is the high-energy, fantastically flamboyant Dasher-ZC duet the world -- at least, in Dylan’s and our opinion -- has been waiting for!

Charlie kicks off the vocals first, spinning away and starting the movement deeper into the city. In classic AMBITION fashion, this performance is one that magically manages to rope in all the youthful, energetic people out and about as we go. It ends up feeling like a block party, pride parade, music video dance break of sorts -- lots of spirit, lots of color, and plenty of dynamic choreography.

Although this is an ensemble number without a doubt, the core of it rests with the quartet highlighted above, giving a variation of an international gay boyband vibe. And it is, quite frankly, iconic! Dylan picks up the second verse with flair, seamlessly catching the groove and easily drawing more passersby into the hypnotic revelry.

When he gets to the end of his verse, he ends up back-to-back with Charlie, giving him a wink over his shoulder and placing his hands in prayer in front of his chest.

Only God can judge this holy mess Biiitch, I’m blessed!

Every time we hit the chorus, the dance party vibe takes over. It starts with relatively synced choreography, hit with sharp, poppy execution -- especially from our dancers -- but devolves into freestyling and break dancing solos from the city dwellers. Emma, Bernéz, and even Louis are included in this groovy get down too, and all of them happen to have some moves of their own!

Arriving at the bridge, Maya and Yindra get their moment, essentially acting as emcees to get the assembled revelers to focus in. Once they invite them to ���shake what the good lord gave us,” the musical interlude morphs into an impromptu dance battle, with Zay and Charlie leading one half of the crowd while Dylan and Asher playfully (and unabashedly less technically skilled) lead the other.

Charlie gets the minor solo at the end of the bridge, belting it out and throwing his head back against Zay’s.

Ooh, Lord, feeling it Beat like this, make me feel that power!

EXT. EIFFEL TOWER - OBSERVATION DECK - DAY

Then, they finally manage to win Zay over, who takes his solo when the music slows to the final pre-chorus. We’re close on him at first, but as the camera eases out, we realize where we are. Charlie, Zay, Dylan, and Asher are at the top of the Eiffel Tower, on the observation deck, high above the world and surrounded by beauty in every direction.

The other three layer in on the vocals to finish out the line, delivering true pop harmony excellence.

EXT. PARIS STREETS - DAY

Then we’re on a roll through to the finish, intercutting between the four of them up above and back down on the ground leading the parade. Charlie is front and center, until Dylan catches up with him and throws an arm around his shoulder as they stride heads high and smiles bright. Misfits of creation finding their holy validation indeed. Asher and Zay follow along behind them, matching their diva energies for once rather than delighting in turning them on each other.

EXT. EIFFEL TOWER - OBSERVATION DECK - DAY

And we finish on a high note, our last shot the four of them up in the tower and throwing up hallelujahs like the stars they are.

It may very well be the gayest performance AMBITION has seen yet, but in that case, it’s long-awaited and well-deserved. Perfectly suited for an episode absolutely bursting with the language of love.

INT. TERRACE RESTAURANT - DAY

Meanwhile, the wedding crowd has migrated to a charming venue down the block, where Jack and Eric have rented out the terrace room for their celebratory meal following the ceremony. The invitee list grows for this portion as more friends arrive and join the revelry.

At the moment, the Matthews are occupied, embroiled in the grueling task of getting a good family photo just as Eric suspected. Riley is mired in this current drama, as by the fifth or sixth attempt it’s clearly very important to Amy to get a perfect one, and less important to everyone else -- considering they can’t get their acts together long enough to capture one.

Morgan: When do we get to start drinking?

Isa had managed to avoid this spectacle, but not for long. Once Amy catches sight of them, they insist on making sure Isa is included, gesturing them over to join the clan. Which is nice, and everything -- and even more so considering only Cory seems remotely inclined to point out they’re not technically a Matthews -- but Isa really could’ve used this opportunity to get a second to breathe.

Oh well. Welcome to the family, suppose. Isa grins and bears it, slotting in between Riley and Josh.

You would think Jack would now be subjected to this torment too, but he’s negotiating relative personalities of his own at the moment. He’s letting his mother, Elaine, regale him with stories about the travel over here and what an ordeal it was -- he really did have to insist on an international destination wedding, didn’t he?

Elaine: Oh, but it was all worth it to see you up there at that altar today. My baby boy, married at last. And to another man at that. Who would’ve thought!

She pats his cheeks, giving them an affectionate squeeze. Jack smiles, though he’s more than a touch embarrassed.

Jack: I’m glad you were able to be here too, ma.

If there’s a few things you pick up on fast about Jack’s blood mother, it’s that a) she is what one might call “eccentric,” and b) she loves to hear herself talk. She is an artsy, scatter-brained extrovert, just with a blunt realist streak, so it’s almost a wonder how she managed to create Jack Hunter. She is certainly an immediate character in whatever room she walks in…

All of which are things Lucas is bewildered -- and thoroughly amused by -- when he finally crosses paths with her. Jack yanks him into the conversation as a way to get focus off of himself, graciously introducing the two of them.

Jack: Mom, this is Lucas. The former student I mentored. Lucas: Not necessarily by choice. Jack: That’s enough out of you. Elaine: Oh, yes! Lucas James. Jack has told me all about you.

That’s kinda news to him, considering Jack has rarely mentioned his mom to him. Lucas raises his eyebrows.

Lucas: He has? Elaine: Well, of course! From the moment you dropped into his lap. First it was the complaints -- oh, the complaints! The one time every six months he’d remember to call me up, and I wanted to hear about his life, his hopes, his new dreams -- he always defaulted to talking about you, young man. “Lucas did this today” or “last week Lucas did that, so I had to spend another afternoon with him in detention” -- Jack: Okay, that’s… Lucas: Well, sorry. Elaine: Sorry? No, no, dear, I loved it! I can never get him talking so heated like that when I ask him questions. After that, I’d just go, “so how’s Lucas?” And I’d get him on the phone for hours. It was a delight. Jack: I think he gets it. Elaine: And you know, oh, you remind me of him. Two of you standing up there, well, I could’ve deluded myself into thinking you were the spitting image.

That’s a much nicer sentiment than being told he’s the apple of Kenneth’s tree… Lucas can’t help but smile at that, albeit bashfully.

Elaine: Not to mention he was just as rascally as you were. Some of those stories he’d tell, I’d say, well, Jackie, did you look in the mirror? Do you remember some of the things you got up to at that age? Lucas: Oh, really? Jack: All right, I think that’s enough of this conversation --

Lucky for Jack, Lucas has a new distraction just arriving. Dylan and Asher have made their way in, there as Lucas and Riley’s plus-ones. They’ve dressed up from their earlier outing, now sporting appropriate semi-formal brunch attire.

Lucas goes over to greet them, asking how their free roam time went. Dylan beams.

Dylan: Oh, c'était parfait. We saw the Eiffel Tower, and I definitely achieved my goal of winning over Charlie Gardner. Sorry, Lucas, but I’m his best friend now.

Asher shakes his head, but he agrees it was a fun morning. Regardless, Lucas is glad they’re here, because it’s nice to have more familiar faces. Especially with his toast coming up. He’s sure Isa feels the same, which leads Asher to point out that they didn’t mention anything about inviting a plus-one. Are they going to be powering through this brunch just with them?

No, not quite, Asher. Once Amy has finally deemed a picture good enough to pass muster, she frees the Matthews clan, to Isa’s obvious and photo’d-out relief. Just in time, as well, because they turn towards the doors to the restaurant just as Farkle makes his entrance.

For a fleeting, fluttery moment, it’s like a scene out of a movie. Farkle scans the venue, and his eyes land on Isa, and the smile that blooms on his face is one of a kind. For that second, it feels like just the two of them in the room -- in the world -- and that feeling is a greater relief than Isa would’ve thought possible.

He’s here. Everything is okay again.

Then the moment is over, Isa immediately getting dragged into a different Matthews clan obligation -- they need a photo with Jack now too! Riley takes their hand and pulls them along, chipper as she promises them they’re almost done with all this hubbub.

Farkle will just have to wait. As Isa releases a pitiful groan --

INT. PARISIAN CLOTHING STORE - DAY

Maya slides clothes on a rack, scrutinizing the garments. She and Yindra have elected to spend their afternoon killing time one of the best ways a diva knows how -- shopping. There are few cities better than Paris to do such a thing.

Yindra looks at the price tag of one silk blouse, shuddering.

Yindra: Not that I can afford any of this. Euros or not. Maya: It’s not just about the material possession, Yindra. Yindra: Oh, no? That’s not why you carry Minkus around like a checkbook? Maya: [ ignoring that ] Shopping isn’t just about the present. As superstars in the making, we have futures to think about. Sure, you can’t afford this now -- [ pulling something off the rack ] but would you in the starry days and nights to come? You don’t want to be caught flat-footed not knowing your look the moment the time comes to work it. Yindra: I don’t know if I’m spending too much time with you lately or what, but bizarrely, I think that made sense. Maya: Superstardom is just as much about visualization and manifestation as it is talent and time spent. You can quote me on that.

Lord knows she’s made enough moodboards to prove it. But fair enough.

Yindra: I guess you’ve got a bit more spentitude these days now anyway, right? With the way those singles blew up. Once that EP hits with those producers, I’m sure you’ll be able to buy at least one piece of cloth in here.

She’s not wrong… mostly. Yindra couldn’t know the EP is most certainly dead in the water, and who knows what legal snafus Maya might be looking at as retaliation to come. She recedes into herself somewhat, going quiet, which Yindra notices.

Yindra: Sorry, didn’t mean to make it weird. To be honest, I didn’t think you would ever be shy about making bank. Maya: No. No, you’re fine. It’s not that. [ a beat ] I’m just no longer working with those producers. Yindra: Whoa, seriously? Why not? Maya: … creative differences. Yindra: I have a hard time imagining what kind of insurmountable creative differences you could have that would make you part ways with a near done deal. Especially when your first hits dropped as hot as they did.

Yindra says that, but when Maya once again keeps her mouth shut and doesn’t elaborate, suddenly she has an idea. It’s in the subtle shift in Maya’s features -- an uncharacteristic, if almost invisible, shade of shame. A little less color in her cheeks, a dimming of her natural light.

Yindra knows Maya better than she realizes, because she catches all those details, and she can imagine what might’ve happened. Many women recognize it on instinct, the shadow of possibility looming, whether or not it’s touched them personally.

Maya clearly doesn’t intend to talk about it, so Yindra doesn’t try to. She wouldn’t know what to say even if she thought she should. So she offers the only other thing she has -- her diva faith.

Yindra: Well, I respect you for walking away if it wasn’t working. I know that couldn’t have been easy. And in any case, it’s whatever. You’ll figure out what to do instead, I’m sure. Maya: Yeah? Yindra: Girl, you’re Maya fucking Hart. You’ve been ascending -- sometimes against my better wishes -- since we were fourteen. I’d like to see what ungodly force it’ll take to hold you down. Nah, you’ll be fine. I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before you smash your next barrier and I’m sitting there with my usual Maya cocktail of disbelief, envy, and a strange sense of pride.

Well… that’s actually really nice. Maya smiles, putting the garment back on the rack. She comes around it to join Yindra on her side.

Maya: Won’t need the cocktail once you’ve got your own rise to focus on. Once Jupiter finally gets their shit together and tells you you’re in. Yindra: If they do. [ off her eye roll ] And even then, who knows. Maya: What’s that mean? When you know, you know. Yindra: No, I just mean like -- it’s been a crazy process. I’m not sure if… with the dynamics, and everything, I’m not sure if I should do it. Commit myself to all that. Maya: Ma’am, might I remind you that you went to school with me and Farkle Minkus for four years of insanity. You are more than equipped to deal with astronomical personalities. I’ve trained you far too well for that. Yindra: Gee, thanks. Maya: Not to mention I know you better than that. It might have its less-than-alluring sides, but you know not to waste an opportunity when you have it. Mark my words, you’ll make the right choice -- and then you’ll absolutely blow them out of the water. Then I’ll get to drink my own Yindra cocktail.

You know, this whole divas supporting divas routine is good. They could get used to this. Maya pulls a dress off the rack and holds it up against Yindra’s torso.

Maya: You’ve got to try this on. Your color for sure. Yindra: Is it my price tag, though? Maya: Well, like you said. [ with a shrug ] I’ve got some Global Beat bucks to spend.

If you’re gonna twist her arm, Maya, then gee… Yindra grins, taking the dress.

EXT. LE MUR DES JE T’AIME - DAY

Le mur des je t’aime, or the “I Love You” Wall, certainly ranks amongst one of the newer must-see landmarks of Paris. Located in Paris’s Jehan-Rictus Square, the installation was created by two artists as a “rendezvous location for lovers” and a “lasting monument to eternal adoration.”

It’s fitting, then, that this is where Zay and Charlie decide to meet back up after a brief split following the Eiffel Tower experience. This time, it’s just the two of them, finally getting to spend some time alone in the city before the wedding reception.

They arrive at opposite ends of the wall, catching sight of one another through the passing crowd and immediately bursting into smiles. The wall frames them as they approach one another, meeting in the middle.

For a second, they simply smile at each other, before Charlie remembers how words work.

Charlie: Hi again. Zay: Bonjour. [ looking over his shoulder ] You didn’t bring someone else along with you this time, right? Because I’m sorry, but if Friar comes climbing over the wall or something I’m seriously going to risk French prison time. Charlie: [ with a laugh ] No, just me this time. Promise. 

That’s exactly what Zay wanted to hear, and his expression does not hide it.

Charlie: So, you picked first. You know where you wanna go? Zay: Yes, sir. [ pulling up the map on his phone ] La Place, a hip-hop cultural center the city developed. I’m not sure how much we’ll be able to see, but I figured we could at least check it out. See the street art, and a lot of dancers flock around there. Shouldn’t be too long a walk. Charlie: Either way. Sounds cool. And you know I don’t mind a walk.

That he does. Charlie leans close over his shoulder to peer at his screen, and Zay can’t help but glance at his face so close to his. So comfortably, wonderfully near again.

Well, with such a promising place to start, they best not waste any time. Charlie gestures for Zay to lead the way, falling into step beside him as they disappear out of frame. Leaving us hanging on the love wall for a brief moment…

INT. TERRACE RESTAURANT - DAY

The newlyweds are currently making the rounds greeting guests, but they’ve somehow found themselves engaged in conversation with Dylan and Asher. They offer sincere congratulations.

Dylan: I always knew it would work out for you two. No one else believed me, but I have an instinct about these things. Eric: So I’ve heard. Asher: It’s genuinely cool to see this happen for you guys and to be a part of it. Everyone is really happy for you. Jack: Well, thank you, Asher. That’s very kind of you. Dylan: I mean, yeah, it’s kind of inspirational. I mean, you two, you’re like the blueprint. Eric: Well -- Dylan: Actually, I guess not, because that implies you came first. You most definitely did not do that. I guess Asher and I are the blueprint. Jack: Well… Dylan: So it’s super cute of you to follow in our footsteps. [ clasping his hands together ] So proud to watch you both grow up before our eyes.

Dylan is truly the master of toeing the line between damningly sincere and damningly cheeky. Jack and Eric exchange a look.

Meanwhile, Farkle is navigating the venue, searching out Isa in vain. It seems like they can’t seem to actually come together despite their best efforts. He happens to pass Riley as she’s on her own mission seeking out where Lucas has disappeared to, the two of them spinning around each other.

Riley: Aw, Farkle, you look great. I love the suit. Farkle: Thanks. Have you seen Isa? Riley: Not since photos a bit ago. Is it even worth it for me to ask… Farkle: If Lucas is intent on not being found, I am the last person he would reveal himself for.

Figures. Riley gives him a smile and promises they’ll catch up later, continuing on her search. Farkle resumes his own, wandering over towards the doors to the outdoor patio. Even though he’s tall, that isn’t doing him much good. Isa seems nowhere to be found…

Until suddenly, Farkle is yanked backwards by the suit jacket, disappearing through the terrace doors.

EXT. TERRACE RESTAURANT - OUTDOOR PATIO - DAY

Farkle spins around and reorients himself just as Isa tugs him into hiding with them in a corner of the patio. Seconds later, they’re lost in him, pulling him into a clandestine but ardent kiss. Farkle only takes another moment to catch up, then he returns it just as eagerly.

Once they manage to pull apart to catch their breath, Isa’s heels hit the ground again from standing on tip-toe to meet him. After getting his brain to resume functioning, Farkle takes them in, a breathless smile consuming his features.

Farkle: Hi.

God, how nice it is to hear that voice. Isa returns the smile, then the greeting, before pulling him into another kiss. It’s all they can manage, because it’s the only action that can convey everything they’re feeling when words are far from their friend today.

Thank God you’re here. It’s so nice to see you. I’ve been waiting to do this all week. It’s so much better already with you here.

Farkle pulls away first, bumping their noses together.

Farkle: As nice as this is, I doubt we can hide out here doing this forever? Isa: Fuck, I wish. [ with a sigh ] No, yeah, I’m sure people are already wondering where I’ve gone. It’s exhausting, being wanted. Farkle: So in demand. Poor, poor little director. Isa: Tell me about it. I know you were being sarcastic, but I’m choosing to ignore that.

But they were not being sarcastic about the drain. They’re honored to be a part of Eric’s special day, sincerely, but that doesn’t mean it’s been easy. And there’s still so much to go…

Farkle: Well, that’s what I’m here for. Emotional support beanpole, at your service.

He straightens up, offering his arm to accent the point. Ready when they are. Isa takes one more moment to collect themselves -- and to take him in, all dressed up and there in another country just for them -- then manages a smile. They loop their arm through his and let him lead the way back through the doors.

INT. TERRACE RESTAURANT - DAY

As much-needed and refreshing as that brief respite was, Isa apparently has terrible timing. It seems ZACHARY MACNAMARA and RUBY MACNAMARA have arrived in their absence, currently chatting with Eric and Morgan.

Farkle: Isn’t that -- Isa: Shit.

They slip out of Farkle’s stable grasp and jog over to join them, clearly feeling guilty about missing their entrance. Considering they know Eric invited them mainly for them, it’s pretty shitty of them to be M.I.A. as soon as they show up.

Despite their remorse, no one else seems bothered by their tardiness. Zachary and Ruby greet them with nothing but warmth, and neither Morgan nor Eric even think to make a comment about their absence. Isa blankly accepts a quick hug from Ruby.

Isa: You’re here. When did you get here? Zachary: Just a few minutes ago. Unfortunately, our Uber took longer than we would’ve liked. Ruby: Parisian traffic. What can you do? Isa: I’m sorry. I’m sorry I wasn’t here when you got here. I wanted to be -- Ruby: Oh, sweetie, you’re fine. Don’t stress on our account. Zachary: Surely you have friends to be celebrating with. We seem to be in very good company.

Eric certainly didn’t leave them hanging, and he reassures Isa as much. Morgan doubles down on that point, promising that she’s eaten up Zachary’s time by telling him how many times she’s seen his movies.

Morgan: You are, without a doubt, the coolest person I am remotely related to. Eric: Well, that’s a pretty tough competition -- Morgan: No it isn’t.

Speaking of friends, Farkle finally catches up to them, uncertainly hovering nearby until Ruby brings attention to him. She saw him walk in with Isa from the patio -- she hopes they didn’t interrupt anything. Reminding Isa of his presence, panic receding, they clear their throat and gesture Farkle over.

Isa: This is Farkle. My friend from Adams. Ruby: The one who lives in Los Angeles, of course. Farkle: Currently, yes.

Um. What’s that mean, Farkle? Isa glances at him, confused by the comment, but no one else seems to notice it. He shakes hands with Ruby, then Zachary.

Zachary: Pleasure to meet you. Isa’s talked plenty about you. Ruby: Yes. It’s honestly remarkable we haven’t met you before this, when you’ve been right in our backyard! Very Hollywood dramatics of us to wait until we’re in Paris.

Yes… that is odd, isn’t it, Isa… the commentary wasn’t directed at them, but it sure feels like it was. And they don’t have a good excuse -- right now, looking at Farkle, Eric, and Zachary all standing in the same circle, it kind of makes their head want to explode. They can’t tell if that’s for good or bad reason yet.

At the other end of the room, Josh is feeling some of the social drain himself now that the high of watching Eric get married has ebbed. He’s keeping to himself for the most part, avoiding the curiosity and prying questions of others. He’s offered a distraction when his phone buzzes, lighting up with a text from Floyd.

“Do u have a sec to chat? Have something I rly RLY wanna talk to u about! Let me know!!”

Based on the thread, it looks like Floyd has been trying to reach Josh basically since he left. He’s sent a handful of texts like this in the last 24 hours, all going unanswered by Josh. At this point, Josh isn’t sure if he should even answer him or just cut him loose -- his career is in the toilet, so he doesn’t want to inevitably bring down whatever limited potential Floyd has with him.

Still, he feels bad leaving him hanging, so he quickly responds that he’s at a wedding right now and will touch base with him later. But he can’t talk now.

A typing bubble pops up on Floyd’s end almost as soon as he responds, but Josh doesn’t see his response because Amy comes over to join him. She teasingly asks what he’s doing standing alone on his phone. Josh shrugs vaguely.

Josh: Just a work thing.

Amy tilts her head, slightly disappointed.

Amy: Really? At your brother’s wedding? I know things are going so well for you out there, but don’t you think for one day -- Josh: Okay, sorry. Fine.

He makes a point of turning off his phone and pocketing it, then raises his hands in surrender. Better? Amy frowns.

Amy: I wasn’t trying to get on your case. I just wanted to check on you. You seemed… troubled, over here all by your lonesome. Josh: I’m not. I’m fine.

His defensiveness signals the opposite, but Amy doesn’t push. She doesn’t know how -- for whatever reason, communication with her youngest feels like it’s broken down irreparably since he left for the west coast. She isn’t sure how to reach him.

Amy: Let’s not argue. Okay? Not today. Today is for joy; for family. Let’s enjoy that together. Josh: Sure. Sure, yeah. 

Josh manages a weak smile, which Amy will take. She hugs him to her side and rubs his shoulder, guiding him back into the crowd.

Behind them, through the windows, a familiar figure passes by as they pace…

EXT. TERRACE RESTAURANT - DAY

Lucas has escaped to get some fresh air, trying to calm his nerves before the lunch begins. He’s tucked himself away on the backside of the building, so it takes exiting the main entrance and walking all the way around for Riley to finally find him.

Riley: There you are. I’ve been looking for you. Lucas: Hey. Sorry, I should’ve told you I was stepping out.

Riley shakes her head, giving him a soft smile. No worries. In fact, if he wants to be alone, she can give him space… but he brushes off her courtesy.

Lucas: You don’t count. Being alone with you is just as good.

Sometimes, even better. Riley can’t help but smile, touched. She nods and comes to stand beside him, leaning back against the wall. She watches him in silence for a long moment, letting the quiet settle.

Riley: Do you want to talk about it? Lucas: Hm? About what? Riley: Whatever it is you’re so worried about? [ off his look ] Your hands are trembling.

It’s impressive, how well she knows him. How she notices things about him even he doesn’t, and he’s the one living it. He scoffs in embarrassment, clenching his fists, but Riley reaches out and takes his hand instead. She massages his fingers into unclenching, then intertwines them with her own.

Riley: Talk to me. Lucas: [ with a sigh ] I’m gonna humiliate myself. Trying to speak in front of all those people. Riley: I’m sure that’s not true. You’ve spoken in front of bigger crowds before. To great fanfare, might I add. Lucas: Yeah, but those didn’t -- that didn’t matter. Not like this. Riley: You don’t give yourself enough credit. You’re actually really good with words. More than you think. Lucas: Not when I need them. Not when it actually counts. [ closing his eyes ] I’m shit with them when it really matters.

Riley should know that better than anyone. She looks at him sympathetically, rubbing her thumb across the back of his hand.

Lucas, quieter: I don’t want to let Jack down.

That’s all he really cares about. Everyone else is whatever -- but if he can’t get it right for Jack, who trusted him to speak, who wanted him to be there…

Riley: Jack wouldn’t have asked you to say something if he didn’t think you could do it. Not to mention he should know who he’s dealing with -- if he didn’t want to run the risk of being clowned on or hear some profanities on his wedding day, then he should’ve flipped through your old transcripts for a little reminder.

Touché. Lucas chokes out a laugh, screwing his eyes shut tighter. Riley smiles.

Riley: But I doubt he’s worried about it. And neither am I. Are you God’s gift to public speaking? No. But you get the point across. Whatever you want Jack to know, if you just say what you mean, it’ll come through. He’ll get it. [ squeezing his hand ] Speaking from experience.

Again, she knows better than anyone. Lucas opens his eyes, exhaling a heavy breath. He meets her eyes, and she offers him an affectionate beam in return.

She believes in him. So does Jack. That hasn’t changed up to now, and it won’t after this either.

We hover on their linked hands, a consistent anchor through it all --

EXT. PONT DE ARTS - DAY

Which becomes the joined hands of another couple, taking a leisurely stroll along the Pont De Arts. One of the most famous architectural landmarks in Paris, with gorgeous views in every direction. However, it was formerly known for a more visible gimmick…

Charlie: It used to be known as the Love Lock Bridge.

Walking amongst the other tourists and couples out for a promenade along the bridge, Charlie and Zay are taking in the view for themselves. Although they walk pretty close together, consistently bumping shoulders, they don’t seem to have adjusted to their new freedoms just yet. Old habits die hard, it seems, so surrounded by so many eyes they keep their hands to themselves -- Charlie keeps his shoved into his jean pockets.

Still, that doesn’t seem to be impeding their enjoyment. Being side-by-side, in the same place at the same time, is thrill enough.

Zay: Oh, yeah. I feel like I’ve heard about that. Sounds vaguely familiar at least. [ glancing around ] I don’t see any locks though. Charlie: Yeah, that’s because they took them down. Zay: Damn, that’s cold. Who pissed off the French? Charlie: Historically? A lot of people. [ off his eye roll ] But in this case, it was a physics thing. There were so many locks chained to it, it was getting to the point where the added weight was threatening to collapse the bridge. Zay: Jesus. Guess falling to your death wouldn’t be very romantic, would it? Charlie: [ with a shrug ] Depends on your definition of romance. The Greeks would probably dig the tragedy. Hell, even you have read Romeo & Juliet. Zay: Yeah, and my takeaway was that they were dumb as hell. Death by piss-poor communication for real. Can’t love on your man if you’re fucking dead. [ off Charlie’s laughter ] No, thanks, I’ll take being alive. Charlie: And you’re so very wise for that.

They slow to a stop in the middle of the bridge, leaning against the rail and looking out at the view of the city. Charlie sneaks a glance at Zay next to him, appreciating his presence so close and letting his gaze linger; when he shifts his eyes back to the Seine, Zay does the same, missing his earlier look as he steals an indulgence of his own.

Zay spins and leans back against the rail, gazing in the opposite direction.

Zay: Not sure I get the appeal anyway. The love locking thing. It’s just a piece of metal. Charlie: Well -- Zay: [ beating him to it ] But I’m sure you’re gonna explain it to me.

And maybe that’s exactly what he wanted. Nerd. Charlie narrows his eyes at him, Zay matching his glare, but his cheeky smile is too cute to resist. Charlie sighs and rotates to face the same direction as him, pressing their shoulders together.

Charlie: It’s symbolic. I’m sure you already got that part. Zay: Yes. [ bumping his elbow ] But I wanna hear how you interpret it. Charlie: It’s… it’s about leaving something permanent. Locking it in place. It’s kind of the same thing as marriage, in a way, just a different symbol. What’s a ring but a piece of metal? What’s a vow but a bunch of words strung together? Zay: Hopeless romantic, this guy. Charlie: But it’s like any other symbol -- it means as much as you want it to mean. What intent you give it; how deeply you believe in it. There’s something powerful to the idea of locking your love into forever and throwing away the key. Surrendering to fate and trusting that your bond will weather whatever comes next. Sure, maybe it means nothing, and I bet thousands of the locks that were here represented pairs that dissolved long before they came and cut their padlock down. But the concept of it is nice. The idea that you can choose to be together, to latch onto one another and never let go. That that choice is in your hands.

Zay gazes at him again, looking like he knows the feeling. Enamored as ever with how Charlie sees things differently than him, always managing to find the words because he lives and breathes them. Zay isn’t big on literature, or analysis, or digging so deep to find the meaning, but he could spend hours listening to Charlie talk about it because of how much he loves it.

Because when Charlie shows him how he sees the world, it’s beautiful.

Zay: I guess it’s a good thing they took them down, then. Might be shitty seeing your symbol of eternal love or whatever sink to the bottom of the river. Charlie: Yeah. A symbol’s just a symbol, after all. [ a beat ] And yet…

And yet? Zay meets his eyes again, quirking his eyebrow. Charlie scratches his neck, sheepish, before reaching into his pocket.

A padlock. Unassuming, evergreen with gold trim, with its very own little key. Dime a dozen. He could’ve picked it up today, or last week, or even the last time he was here.

Charlie: I don’t know why I brought it. I knew the locks had been taken down. But I don’t know…

Couldn’t help himself. Hopeless romantic. Zay shakes his head, thoroughly amused and undeniably fond.

Zay: Of course you did. [ after a beat ] Well, let me see it.

He gestures for him to hand it over. Charlie does so, careful not to drop the key. Zay turns it over in his fingers, appraising it.

Zay: Pen?

He’s not questioning whether he has one -- it’s a confident request. And he knows him too well, Charlie obliging and handing him a black Sharpie from his other pocket. Zay takes it and uncaps it with his teeth, keeping his focus on the lock. Charlie doesn’t take the risk of him choking on it, though, quickly reaching up to pluck the cap from his mouth.

Zay pauses, as if he’s contemplating heavily. He casts a sideways glance at Charlie next to him, playing for an air of suspense… then he scribbles a few small strokes onto the front of the lock.

D + C. Just like the letters branded onto the bricks of the Adams costume loft.

He clicks the shackle into place, presenting it to Charlie. All there is left to do is lock it… and the key is in his hands.

Charlie gets a long look at it, then lifts his gaze to meet Zay’s. For a moment, they look at each other, not saying a word but somehow saying everything.

Then he touches Zay’s hand to hold it steady, using his other to slide the key into the lock. Clicking it into place; choosing to lock it up tight.

This time, when he lifts his head to look at Zay, he’s smiling. Zay returns it.

Off their touching hands, with the padlock resting in Zay’s palm --

INT. TERRACE RESTAURANT - DAY

Brunch has officially been served, clusters of the guests arranged at circular tables to dine. Jack and Eric are seated at a table up front with their parents; much of the Matthews family is gathered around another with Shawn and Angela. Riley, Lucas, Dylan, and Asher occupy another table with Josh.

Isa isn’t with their cohort, because they are seated with the MacNamaras at their own table. Farkle is also there next to Isa, and HARPER BURGESS and her girlfriend STELLA CASTILLO round out the seats. It’s a nice collection of people, and it makes for some interesting and engaging conversation.

Even so, something about it makes Isa anxious. They couldn’t put it into words, but something about looking around the table and seeing all these corners of their world colliding… it’s a lot. It feels overwhelming, like something they need to sit down and process, but there’s simply no time to do so.

Whether the nerves are there or not, they don’t show. At least, not that anyone else at the table notices -- they carry on chatting with an easy and friendly rapport, Ruby easily connecting with Harper and wanting to hear all about working at Adams and what Isa was like as a student. She’s sure that job can’t be easy!

Harper: It definitely has its highs and lows. But I love it. You certainly get to meet many types of students. Ruby: I’m sure. [ winking at Farkle ] I bet those theater kids never take a day off. Farkle: Can confirm, it’s true. Especially the performers. Harper: Yes, Farkle and I had some rough patches of our own -- Farkle: It was a bad year. Generally speaking. Harper: But it all works out in the end. Zachary: Surely some of that performance magic helps to win people over. Hard not to appreciate someone when they can sing like I bet you can, Farkle. Stella: Oh, it depends on the level of diva that comes with it. You definitely can decide not to appreciate it. Farkle: There was plenty of talent to go around too, so we couldn’t hoard it. I had my diva classmates, of course, but even the techies were full of it. Bizarrely. [ elbowing Isa ] Isa was the poster child for that.

This little nugget of information is total news to Ruby. Somehow, the fact that Isa was more into performing during school hadn’t managed to arise.

Harper: Oh, absolutely. Isa was one of our strongest stage presences, once they decided they wanted to give it a go. Ruby: I never would’ve assumed. I should’ve invited you to sing in the church choir! Isa: Oh, that’s… fine. Farkle: I think hanging out with me and May -- [ catching himself ] some of our other classmates rubbed off on them. Theater kid syndrome is contagious.

It’s surreal, watching all these different people speak about Isa right in front of them. All speaking from such fond places, corroborating their knowledge, yet Isa can’t decide how to feel about it. It’s a weird feeling, being known from so many angles.

Thankfully, the subject is shifted off of them for now. Zachary changes tracks to Farkle, following that performing thread. How has he found USC so far? Is he enjoying it?

Farkle: It’s definitely a change of pace. Adams was so insulated, you know, with such a small cohort. The arts programs at USC are major, of course, but it’s a huge ecosystem. I don’t think I’ve ever been at a school so large. But I’m learning a lot, at least about myself. It was great to have the opportunity to do a musical, too, and I really love my musical theater composition class. Ruby: This one here. Man of many talents, I see. Harper: You don’t know the half of it. Isa: Be careful, we’ve worked hard tempering his ego.

Farkle shoots Isa a look, but it’s playful. 

Zachary: So you’re liking Los Angeles overall, then? Does it suit you? Farkle: I think I’m still trying to figure that out. It’s… very different from New York. But it has its positives. [ a beat ] I actually decided to go out there because I met an agent by happenstance -- long story -- and he seemed interested in my potential. I wasn’t sure how it might go, but we’ve had a few meetings. Zachary: Who is it? Farkle: Jonathan Turner? Zachary: Oh, he’s excellent. Definitely one of the best. Farkle: Yeah? Really? Zachary: I’m pretty certain. I’ve never worked with him directly, but I have friends who have. He’s reliable, and professional, and takes the work seriously. If you’re his client, he will go to bat for you, no doubt about it. And he seems to have a solid read on industry trends, knowing what clients might be best suited to go out for --  Ruby: An underrated skill in this market. Farkle: I got that sense. He seemed above board, far as I could tell, but you hear so many horror stories… Zachary: No, I wouldn’t worry about it. You can take him at his word. I’ve never heard anything to indicate he would be untrustworthy -- if he has interest in you, it’s legitimate.

Honestly, that’s nice to hear. Farkle thanks him, noting how helpful that insight is.

Ruby: If you ever have any questions, I’m sure Zachary would be more than willing to chat through them with you. [ off Zachary’s nod of agreement ] Might as well put some of that industry experience to use giving back to the new generation. Zachary: Oof, not so loud. You’re making me feel ancient. Farkle: I really do appreciate it. If I stay in L.A. -- Isa, surprised: If you stay?

The conversation catches somewhat, Farkle not expecting the interruption. Isa is staring at him, completely caught off-guard -- they heard his little comment earlier, but this is the second time he’s mentioned an alternate possibility. And that’s definitely news to them.

Farkle opens his mouth to respond, though Lord knows with what, when they’re halted by Rae getting up from her seat at the table with Jack and Eric. She clinks her silverware against her glass to get everyone’s attention, then claims she is going to take the mantle of starting off the toasts.

Rae: I know you’ve all already heard me talk plenty this morning, but congratulations, you’ll get to hear more. That was part of my bargain with Jackie when I agreed to help pull the strings for this thing -- I needed full license to lovingly embarrass him as much as possible.

And so it goes. Rae begins the toasts, which then segues into a montage, threading together little speeches from assorted guests. Rae’s starts light-hearted and humorous, which Shawn follows -- until he starts to get choked up and abruptly brings his to a close before he can humiliate himself. Amy is also teary but purely from joy, and she gushes about how happy she is for Eric and the love he has found with Jack. She hopes, much like her and Alan, that they are comfortably happy for many, many years to come.

Elaine goes next, rambling and going on a few tangents here and there, but she’s at least an animated speaker so she’s amusing to listen to (despite Jack’s rosy cheeks as she shares endless tidbits about his youth). During her oration, Asher leans over to Lucas and Riley to whisper.

Asher: I cannot believe that woman created Principal Jack. Dylan: [ leaning in as well ] Ob. Sessed.

Morgan picks up from there, buttressing the sprawling Elaine toast with a bit more humor and playful digs at the both of them to lighten the mood. Cory follows, less entertaining but managing to actually deliver a sentimental toast to his older brother and former boss.

Cory: I wish you both every happiness… and better luck than the rest of us. Cheers.

Well, again, speak for yourself Cory… but touché. Jack and Eric exchange a tacit look at that comment, but they’ll have to laugh about it later.

With that, Lucas is up. For a moment, awkward silence reigns, though it’s unclear whether Lucas forgot he was next or if he’s been counting down the order this whole time and is now paralyzed by it. Riley almost nudges him, not sure whether she should step in, but he clears his throat and gets up on his own. His speech notes from earlier are closed in his fist, crumpled from many nervous touches throughout the day in his pockets.

Now all he has to do is open his mouth. He glances down at it, then up at the table where Jack and Eric are sitting. Jack gives him a smile, calm and nonjudgmental. Steady as ever, the same composure that looked back at him from across the principal’s desk for four years.

It doesn’t matter what he says. What matters is that he’s there to say it.

Lucas takes a deep breath, then forgoes the written notes, stuffing the scrap of paper back into his pocket.

Lucas: It means a lot to me to be here today. Both because, let’s be honest, I’m not sure any of us were convinced Jack would ever put anything above his workaholic tendencies and actually have a successful relationship --

Okay, that earns a surprised laugh from the assembled guests -- including Jack and Eric. Some of that natural Lucas witty snark, finally coming back to life.

Lucas: But more so because there are many plausible versions of reality where I have no business being here. Whether because I never came into Jack’s life at all, if he had made the wise decision to not admit me into Adams, or because I pushed and pushed until he broke and gave up. And believe me, there were many, many times during my tenure at Triple A where that was not an impossibility. I was unbearable, plain and simple, and it would’ve been well within reason for Jack to decide he didn’t want to deal with it anymore. Most people would’ve, I think.

A table away, Cory makes a face into his drink. No kidding… but Jack doesn’t waver. He keeps on smiling.

Lucas: Only that’s not the kind of man Jack is. He is remarkably, unfathomably patient, even in the toughest of circumstances. He acts stern, but he’s pretty soft, with a bigger heart than any other man I know. He’s firm on boundaries, and knows how to set them, but he also knows when to bend or break them for the better. The fact is, you won’t find a better man, and I know that because I’m standing here able to say so when anyone else would’ve given up on me a long time ago.

But not Jack. Not then, and not now. His smile softens, eyes a tad glassy.

Lucas: That’s why it doesn’t surprise me that he and Eric managed to build the relationship they have, in spite of their rocky historical start. Because Jack believes people can change, and doesn’t assume he knows all, and does see the best in people even with a healthy dose of skepticism. I have no skepticism that the two of them will make it work, that this will last, because the two of them are capable of handling any challenge that gets thrown at them, especially when they face it together. I can speak to that, okay, I already gave them plenty. Eric too, he wasn’t spared.

Another laugh. Dylan and Asher nod along, attesting to that truth; Riley doesn’t only because she’s mesmerized, gazing up at Lucas next to her with pride and utter fondness.

Lucas: All this to say… I don’t know. I don’t know what I thought I would say when Jack asked me to speak. I doubt he did either. But the fact that he wanted me here, to speak at all, says everything to me. About who he is, the kind of partner he’ll be -- patient, forgiving, willing to laugh at himself. Willing to listen, think harder, change his perspective. And he’ll work hard, because damn, if we all don’t know he isn’t capable of anything less.

Lucas meets Jack’s eyes, willing himself to mirror that steadiness. To connect in the moment when it really matters, what he wants him to hear the most.

Lucas: And I know, without a doubt, that there is no one who deserves this more. Congratulations. [ raising his glass ] To Jack and Eric.

Cheers! The others resoundingly echo the sentiment. Lucas returns to his chair with palpable relief, but also seemingly glad he was able to speak. Riley leans close and gives him a kiss on the cheek.

Jack catches his eye through the chatter while the next toaster stands, mouthing a thanks. Lucas smiles.

INT. THE LOUVRE - DAY

Beyond the wedding world, Jade and Nigel are enjoying their free time touring the Louvre. They leisurely make their way through the exhibits, commenting on the art, though highly aware that there’s no way they’ll be able to see it all. They’d need a whole week to really take it all in properly.

Nigel: Kind of makes the Met seem like small potatoes. Jade: New York has the high ground on theater, but it doesn’t have everything.

Every city has its highlights to boast… Nigel takes Jade’s hand, which makes her smile. She steps closer to him as they continue to walk, commenting that maybe they could come back to visit sometime just the two of them.

Jade: Not imminently, obviously. Since… well, first job pay, tuition -- Nigel: Yeah. Jade: But maybe later. We could do a week out of it, make it a whole trip. We’d probably have to find a good reason to justify it, but… maybe we can convince one of our friends to move to Europe. Get our very own Rae M.G., you know? Charlie, maybe…

Well, as a matter of fact, Nigel himself might be much closer to the European Union in short order… it feels like an opportune moment to say something. To bring up the possibility, to even just mention it. Nigel opens his mouth to do just that…

But then Jade turns her smile on him, so blissfully unaware and content, and the words die in his throat. This moment right now is too nice -- he doesn’t want to disrupt it. There has to be a better time.

So Nigel says nothing, letting Jade lead the way deeper into the museum.

EXT. PARC DES BUTTES CHAUMONT - DAY

At the same time, Charlie and Zay have spent the last hour or so enjoying Charlie’s chosen activity, meandering and hiking through the famous Parc des Buttes Chaumont. One of the more scenic and sought-out nature spots in Paris, it boasts gorgeous greenery, floral displays, and breathtaking views depending on where you walk.

The landmark feature, however, is the Temple de la Sybille, which sits atop a small cliffside and overlooks the lake and landscape below. This is where Zay and Charlie have arrived, hiking to the temple to get a look at the view for themselves. Naturally, Charlie is immediately won over, just as enchanted as he was by Peak District.

Zay, on the other hand, is more enchanted watching Charlie. It’s a nice view, and everything, but it’s elevated a million times over by seeing the way Charlie’s eyes light up as he takes it all in. As long as he gets to see that, he just might hike anywhere in the world. Anywhere he wants to go, Zay would follow.

The question is, is that enough?

Suppose that’s up for them to decide… Zay wanders over to the edge of the cliff, as far as they’re allowed to go. He gazes down below, towards the green lake and miles of trees. Reaching into his pocket, he retrieves the key from earlier, the one they used to lock the padlock at the bridge.

For a moment, he turns it over in his fingers, thoughtful. When Charlie comes over to join him, they exchange eye contact, then Charlie glances down at the key in his fingers.

Zay looks back out towards the scenic view… then, without another moment of hesitation, he winds his arm up and throws the key. Out of their hands, over the edge, surrendering to the reality that they will never find it again. It’s lost to nature now -- they won’t be unlocking that padlock any time soon.

And based on the light smiles on their faces, that’s more than all right to them.

Charlie steps closer and wraps Zay into an embrace from behind, propping his chin on his shoulder. Zay smiles wider, tilting his head to rest against Charlie’s.

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[herecomesthefirstday]

i listen to all my music on itunes/youtube/cds/my head but here are some songs i know i’ve been playing on repeat this year:

should’ve been me - mitski

working for the knife - mitski

the end of love - florence + the machine

stay soft - mitski

c’mon baby cry - orville peck

lafayette - orville peck

love me more - mitski

let me drown (live) - orville peck

nobody - mitski

expert in a dying field - the beths

caught up - shamir

tiny little bows - carly rae jepsen

[saintobio]

sincerely not. (15)

↳ gojou satoru/reader

with an arranged marriage set in place, the sacred bond is doomed with a wife who wants to make the relationship work and a husband who’s ready to ruin it all. unbeknown to him, a tragic fate already lies within the pages of his romance book.

genre. heavy angst, unrequited love, arranged marriage, modern au, 18+

tags/warnings. profanity, mentions of illness, mentions of miscarriage, pregnancy

notes. 10.2k wc. i enjoyed writing this chapter. enjoy !! beta read by rae as always <3

series masterlist -> episode sixteen

“Your wife is seven weeks pregnant.”

You didn’t mean to wake up at that exact moment. When your eyes had barely adjusted to the fluorescent lights and your mind could not register what you were hearing, you weren’t sure if you were still in a state of REM sleep or if this was reality. You could easily recognize Dr. Mori’s voice and notice how your husband had fallen silent behind the curtains that reflected his lean silhouette. I’m pregnant, you repeated the thought in your head until you finally processed the very idea that a life was budding inside of you. How can this be possible? Your own hand flew straight to your tummy, caressing the bump that wasn’t even visible to the naked eye because all this time, you thought that you were just gaining weight. You thought that your missed period, your sore breasts, your cravings, and all your other symptoms were just byproducts of extreme stress.

How could you have overlooked the possibility of getting pregnant? The last time you had been intimate with your husband, or at least when he last released into you, was when you were in his office on the day before his father’s birthday celebration. Could you have conceived by then? It would make sense because you had forgotten to take your pills on two consecutive mornings which could have lessened its overall effectiveness. It would also explain why they failed to detect your pregnancy when you were diagnosed with stable angina because it would have been too early to show in your blood results.

On a one in a million chance, your conception was actually a shocker.

But more than that, what were you supposed to do with this information? Why—instead of rejecting the thought—were you actually fluttering with indescribable bliss? Each time you caressed your belly, your heart was bursting into flames and you could feel happy tears pooling your eyes before you blinked them away. No, you should not cry. Not when you still had no idea what your husband would say to this.

I have his baby. We have a baby.

There had been a long-standing argument between you two regarding the topic of pregnancy and you were dreading to have another round of conflict and outburst about a baby that you have accidentally created together.

Gojou seemed to be quite shaken, too. After a few more inaudible exchanges with your doctor, your husband came back and slipped inside your section of the ER with a ghostly expression. His eyes briefly scanned your face, somber as he pulled a chair close to your bed and rested his head on your tummy as though he was listening to his unborn baby. His actions left you taken aback while you could see how hard he was suppressing the pensive sadness in his mien—afraid that you weren’t happy, afraid of the worst case scenario. What was he thinking of, really? Why were his eyes forlorn?

Because he couldn’t break the silence, you were the one who made the effort to do so. “Is that the face you make after finding out that I have your baby?”

He was cognizant of your little attempt to lighten up the mood, but he could not hide the faint tear that left his eye. “D-Did you know? Before this���?”

“No. I wasn’t aware.” It was true. Just like him, it was your first time hearing about it and you had no idea how you should take it. You knew deep inside that you wanted to cry out of joy because you didn’t expect that carrying a tiny human would bring this much felicity to your heart, but the circumstances were quite different. Your lassitude had gotten the best of you and rendered you powerless to react strongly about your pregnancy. “I didn’t know I was pregnant all this time.”

Gojou’s eyes were glazed with pain and your caring instinct prompted you to run your thumb across his rosy cheek. “How about your heart condition? Were you aware?”

What answer would not spike up his guilt? You had to tell him the truth either way. “I was,” you gave an honest answer. “I found out after Bora Bora—”

You couldn’t finish the sentence because he closed his eyes in despair, burying his face on your stomach and painfully mouthing the word ‘sorry’ with a soundless voice. It seemed like he was apologizing to both you and your child. “I caused this. I’m sorry. I know saying sorry won’t even cut it. I hurt you so much and now you… you’re suffering even more because of m-me.”

“Satoru… Look at me.” Your voice was calm as you caressed his cheek. “About my heart, it was hereditary. It’s not because of you.”

“The doctor himself told me that stress was also a main factor.” He wiped his face and looked up at you as if his world was collapsing in front of him. “I’m unforgivable, aren’t I? I know you don’t wanna keep our baby—”

“Stop.” For a moment, you had to draw in a deep breath because the gravitational force of your pain could bring you six feet under. He mustn’t have realized that there was a wave of ache in your heart after he assumed that you didn’t want your baby. Maybe it was your motherly instinct, maybe you just loved the thought of being a mother in general. In the midst of your husband’s breakdown, you kept your palm on your belly. “As long as I can carry safely, I wanna keep the baby.”

There, you made your decision. And him? Well, Satoru was suffering from the demon inside his head. You could sense his mind going haywire while possibly recounting the poignant memories of the unforgivable things that he did to you, forming his own conclusion to trace down how your heart condition had ultimately worsened because of him. “You’re fragile. It’s all because of me. I destroyed you.”

You pulled him by the arm, watching how helplessly distraught he had become. “Don’t punish yourself. It’s in the past.”

“I don’t deserve you.”

“Maybe you don’t,” your blunt response merited its own reason, “but our child deserves a father.”

Wasn’t it ironic that you were the one with an ill-heart and yet you could handle your emotions far better than a six-foot tall man? But then again, you couldn’t blame him. He was going through a difficult period and he hasn’t even fully healed from everything that happened yet. Several weeks ago, you swore to yourself that having Gojou as the father of your child would be an absolute nightmare. But now that it happened, now that it came true, all you wanted was for him to man up and take the responsibility of being the head of your future family.

After the death of a loved one comes the birth of another. After the rain, the sun would shine again. Instead of being sucked into a black hole, your stars were still bright despite not being aligned. Your marriage had its own vicissitudes and your marital relationship was far from anyone’s definition of perfect, but your child was a blessing that you ought to cherish and protect and nurture. Surely, it was a heartbreaking, gut-wrenching thought to realize that Nana didn’t even make it in time for the news of your pregnancy, but some things were uncontrollable and the universe simply loved its cruel games. Nana’s death was the supernova and your baby was the precious new star in a stellar nebula.

You hadn’t even moved an inch before your husband’s forehead was already pressed against yours. His crystalline blue eyes were seeking your forgiveness. “Satoru. We’re not in the best circumstance, but we need to be good parents.”

“What about your heart?” His inner turmoil had risen tenfold.

“I’m sure it’s not fatal to carry a baby,” you reasoned, trying to look at the bright side like you always did. Hopeful? Positive? God, let it manifest. You didn’t want to hear about any negative outcomes that could affect your baby. “I’m gonna need to consult Dr. Mori about this.”

Considering the number of medications that you were taking, you already knew that the doctor would lessen the amount of medicines prescribed to you. You would also most likely deliver the baby through c-section because it would guarantee both you and your baby’s safety a lot more than a normal delivery could offer. There were many things that had to be discussed to avoid further complications and you needed to make sure that your baby’s health would be prioritized above all.

“I’ll take care of you.” Satoru’s voice cracked as he made his vow, clutching your hands as though he was holding on for dear life. “I’ll take good care of you and our baby. I promise I’ll repay your kindness and be there for you. I know I’m awful as a husband, but I won’t fail as a father.”

You acknowledged the desperation in his voice, the seemingly repeated chants of promises and apologies that his mind was torturing him with, and pulled him for an embrace to provide his much needed comfort. “I know you will.”

Later that day, you were free to go home but you chose to speak to your doctor about your condition who informed you that a) he would lessen the dosage of your medications b) you would need to follow a strict healthy lifestyle and that c) cardiopulmonary bypass could be dangerous if your condition worsened and your heart deteriorated significantly throughout your pregnancy. The maternal death rate and fetal loss for these situations were not alarming, but it was still something that you would need to prevent.

“There is only one report of coronary artery bypass surgery during pregnancy in a thirty six-year old patient with severe angina and a 90% stenosis of the left main coronary artery,” explained Dr. Mori as he enlightened you and your spouse, “The patient was twelve to fourteen weeks pregnant and later delivered a normal child.”

Your hopeful husband squeezed your hand. “How do we ensure that my wife’s going to be safe all throughout like her?”

Dr. Mori tilted his head and looked at you behind his thin-framed glasses. “Coronary angioplasty is a good alternative especially in a case of essentially single vessel disease with a proximal lesion in the left anterior descending coronary artery,” he considered. “Although there is a small risk of complications that can lead to the need for urgent operation, angioplasty does not require a general anaesthetic and cardiopulmonary bypass.”

So what you were getting at was: you could eliminate your angina by means of angioplasty?

“How about the exposure to radiation?” you inquired, touching your belly protectively. “If I’m gonna get angioplasty, that’ll subject my baby to radiation.”

The doctor took notes as he continued to discuss the possibilities. “We will reduce fetal irradiation by limiting the exposure time and we’ll protect the fetus with lead shields. Everything will be well within the limits of acceptable risk to the fetus.”

You traded looks with your husband and said nothing else. Zero words. It was obvious that he was overthinking while you were keeping your silence because you just realized how complicated things actually were. And it seemed that as soon as you would consent to undergo coronary angioplasty, the doctors would be ready to administer the procedure to you in a heartbeat. But how about your dad? How about your sister? Would you simply hide all of this from them? What would you explain to them once you get admitted to the hospital?

“It’s not urgent. I’ll place your wife's condition under thorough clinical case study together with other veteran doctors,” the doctor reassured, interlocking his fingers above his desk. “We’ll ensure that enough research will be made so that the application of this technique will allow Y/N to have an angina free pregnancy and delivery. In the meantime, she needs full care and has to avoid angina triggers because taking nitrates can affect the fetus.”

Satoru offered a nod, planting a kiss on your knuckles as the trajectory of his emotions finally arrived at a calmer state. “Can we request Dr. Ieiri on this, too?”

“Dr. Shoko Ieiri?” the doctor clarified.

“Yeah. She’s a close friend of ours,” you confirmed, already feeling relieved that Ieiri would be part of the primary doctors that would look after you because she was one of the few who had been aware of your heart condition. “Doc, I’m still hoping that you won’t disclose my condition to Gen and my father. I’ll find the right time to tell them.”

“You have my word.”

The change of atmosphere was almost tangible. It appeared that Satoru had decided to change his demeanor when you came home that night, ridding himself of his unstable emotions and working on being a more resilient spouse. It was noticeable because he was treating you with utmost sensitivity knowing how twice as fragile you had just become. You could tell that the revelation of your illness overlapping your pregnancy still messed with his mind, but you constantly gave him the reassurance that you would feel more at ease if he wasn’t stressing himself out.

To put it in another perspective, Gojou was a businessman and an excellent decision-maker. When a company is seeing a loss of revenue, his immediate decision would be to find the root cause before making an action plan. There was no point in moping around and finding someone to blame. This was a tactic that he could also apply to your difficult situation now. Actions, not by words, but actions progressing instead of regressing.

Despite the negative aspects of your life, there were also positive things to note about this change of atmosphere. For one, your husband—someone who has rarely cooked his own dinner before—was the one in charge in the kitchen tonight to make you a nice, healthy meal. It was nothing big, but certainly a great first step towards his lifelong vow. When he was standing behind the stovetop, a hand on his hip and an apron that he so unwillingly tied around his waist, how could you complain? It was the very image of a househusband that stretched your lips into a smile.

“Kale salad with Meyer lemon vinaigrette,” you read the recipe on your phone before you took another spoonful—or in this case, a fork full of leafy greens into your mouth. The concoction of Meyer lemon and avocado already satisfied your cravings perfectly and this wasn’t even considered your dinner yet. Chef Satoru was still cooking your requested pan-seared sirloin steak in rosemary garlic and just the smell of it alone was making you drool. “I’m so hungry. It smells so good.”

“Almost done, baby.” He neatly transferred the thick chunk of sizzling no-gristle meat into a plate, slicing it in bite size to lessen your work before he placed the meal in front of you. “Don’t judge my cooking skills.”

“I won’t.” You were thankful enough that he was even making the effort in spite of the abyss of depression that was trying to pull him down. So in gratitude, his efforts shouldn’t go unnoticed and you rewarded him with a quick kiss. “Thank you.”

He smiled into the kiss as if he was melting inside, like a block of solid butter that had been absorbed by the steak he just cooked not more than a few minutes ago. “One more kiss,” with a hand on your back, he pressed his lips down into yours once more. “I love you.”

Your heart was full even when you hadn’t started eating yet. Satoru as a husband was generous at throwing I love you’s and you wondered if he had always been like that around other women. Was he? The thought stirred some doubt in your head and you were already glaring at him before you knew it. Look at that jerk’s face. He could have said meaningless words of affection to hundreds of women before you. No, you stayed calm. Pregnancy hormones. You were laughing to yourself at the realization. Laughing, shaking your head, and drinking your strawberry banana smoothie on top of your brain’s newfound humor.

“Are you okay?” Satoru’s confused expression was nonetheless one that said: is my wife crazy?

The lean meat was both buttery and savory when you took your first bite. “Yeah,” you later answered, gesturing for him to sit on the bar stool across from you. “Does it make you feel weird when I’m irritable around you?”

He used his thumb to wipe the grease on the corner of your lips. “Not really. You have reasons.”

Good. You continued eating then, engaging yourself in small conversations with your husband about your certain cravings and symptoms until the clock struck eight and he was already putting the dishes away. He wouldn’t even let you move an inch from your seat. “We need helpers around the penthouse. You can’t be doing this all the time,” you pointed out. Okay, but considering that, you two would have less privacy. Having maids would mean that you could no longer walk around the penthouse half-naked, or do the deed with your husband in every possible location inside the spacious apartment. “Nevermind. I think we’re fine by ourselves.”

Satoru didn’t pick up the hint on your last sentence. “No, you’re right. I need someone to look after you while I’m at work. I’ll make sure they give me updates every hour.”

Crazy how fast a night could change. The memory of you walking out of the grand ballroom after announcing a divorce was still vivid in your mind. Now, here you were, pregnant and unwarrantedly ill with a husband still recuperating from his loss.

“Okay,” you ended up agreeing, “I can focus on designing new clothes in the other room while you’re in the office so you don’t have to worry too much.”

But adamant was your husband at saying no. “You can’t be left alone. I’ll probably lessen my time in the office and do online meetings whenever possible.”

“Satoru, don’t do that. You have work responsibilities.”

“But I can—” Yep, he realized soon enough that arguing with a pregnant woman was futile, which in result, made him discontinue his sentence. What he did was wrap his arms around you from behind, rubbing your tummy with his large hand and kissing the surface of your temple along with it. “I can’t wait to see our little munchkin.”

Why, just why did his nickname for your baby make your heart jump? “Little munchkin.” You giggled. “I’m gonna be a mommy.”

He buried his face on the crook of your neck—a trait he always did whenever and wherever. “You’re fulfilling a husband’s dream right here, wife.”

You never truly expected that being pregnant would make you this happy. Not just for you, but also for Satoru who had always kept his childhood promises close to his heart. The realization that not just two, but three people with the tiny one inside you, were in the confinements of your home transported you to a euphoric paradise. This was your family now.

The two of you decided to adjust to your new life by taking gradual steps since then. For the next five days, Gojou was shown to be a lot more hands-on than you initially thought. Of course, moments of wistfulness still visited him especially whenever he remembered his late grandmother because the wounds were still fresh and they constantly carved a searing burn in his tortured mind. There were instances where Satoru would also get lost in thought, pondering about the suspicions that Nana’s caregiver had told him about her death. He hasn’t even spoken to his father for a week now despite the constant phone calls that he received from him and the only time he would ever respond to anyone on his rectangular gadget was if it was either from his mom, secretary Miwa, or his best friends.

His five days, however, were entirely spent with you. It was enough to let him decide that your staff of four maids could live in the smaller apartment next door so you two could technically still have some couple’s privacy when necessary. An intercom system was there for you if you needed your maids’ assistance and you had chefs coming over day and night to make you all the healthy meals that your body required. Your husband was quite strict with the food you would consume on a day-to-day basis as he constantly reminded the staff to ensure that all ingredients were completely safe for a pregnant woman. That meant no raw or undercooked meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, and eggs. Gone were the days of sushi and sashimi, and everyone must comply with your husband’s orders or else they would be fired.

You were treated no less than a queen in your household. Satoru was making sure that even he, the king, would bow at your feet with every request you made. Lemon bar at 3 AM? He stumbled half-awake into the kitchen in his boxers just to bring your cravings to you. Throwing up early in the morning? He was there to hold your hair and rub your back while you puked into the toilet bowl. The funniest, perhaps most ridiculous of all, was whenever you got a wave of hormonal changes that you never noticed before. Your husband was the recipient of your annoyance when you nagged at how disgusting he was for drinking straight out of the milk carton, and then proceeded to cuddle with him on the couch as if none of it happened. At some point, you even teared up when he read your baby a bedtime story despite the so-called story being a book on how to create uncontested market space and making good business strategies.

“It’s a boy. I can feel it. He’ll be my heir.”

You disagreed, smiling as you raked your fingers through his snow white hair. “I think it’s a girl.”

According to C.J. Hamilton, ‘Happy women, whose hearts are satisfied and full, have little need of utterance. Their lives are rounded and complete, they require nothing but the calm recurrence of those peaceful home duties in which domestic women rightly feel that their true vocation lies.’

This life with Satoru might be too good to be true.

But you being the hopeless romantic, you cherished every minute of it. Your heart was content and blissful all the more.

On the last day of your husband’s extended bereavement leave, reality hit you. Tomorrow, he would be back to fulfill his duty as the Vice President of a large conglomerate while you would spend your day in the fashion studio together with your seamstress to finish your gift for the Zen’in kids.

Actually, reality slapped you harder when you realized that you and your husband weren’t the only people living in this bubble of domesticity. You had families to communicate with and your situation certainly required your father and sister’s enlightenment who have all been patiently waiting for your next visit to the mansion.

As for Satoru, it was inevitable to hide your pregnancy when his mom entered the penthouse that day just before lunchtime and brought you ramen noodles, gyoza, and kikufukus from her husband’s restaurant downtown. He wasn’t going to reveal it to her, but she had accidentally walked into her son in a kneeling position while feathering kisses to your belly which fueled her otherwise untimely surprise. Obviously the elephant in the room had to be addressed and you were the one who unfolded the not-so-secret news.

“You’re really pregnant?” Her mouth fell agape as soon as you revealed it to her.

You responded with a meek nod. A proud husband was standing next to you, holding the slope of your shoulder in an affectionate stance. “Two months by now.”

“Oh, my! I’m gonna have a grandkid!”

Yes, she did cry. You figured that this was a normal reaction for a parent to have knowing that her child was now, in fact, soon to be a parent, too. Her reaction made you believe that this would’ve also been your own mom’s reaction if she had found out that you were expecting. It was amazing how an unborn baby could put someone into happy tears. Moreover, it was heartwarming to the absolute core to know that your baby was the focal point of another person’s joy.

“Satoru, you’re going to be a father now.” His mother cupped his cheeks. “I know you’ll be a wonderful dad. I trust that you will.”

Your mother-in-law’s words also translated to: ‘you better not turn out like your dad’ and maybe ‘treat your wife the way you want to be treated’. Except, she wasn’t aware of her son’s earlier infidelity but that was something she didn’t need to know.

Even with little Nina running to greet her favorite and apparently ‘most generous and handsome’ uncle, Gen didn’t have it in her to acknowledge her brother-in-law with the same enthusiasm.

It had been a week since she last saw you and she was still expecting an explanation regarding the supposed divorce that got halted because of Nana’s sudden death. Your father was kind enough to greet the Gojou heir, welcoming him into the living room as you sat next to your husband with intertwined, ringless fingers. Was Satoru nervous? He should have no reasons to be anxious if he didn’t do anything wrong, right?

Gen had chosen to remain silent with Nina on her lap, scrutinizing Satoru’s every move while your father tried to gauge the said son-in-law’s emotions. For the most part, his vivid cerulean eyes were dull and they met the tips of his arctic white hair with his lack of usual styling.

“Son, how’ve you been?” your father asked out of courtesy, sipping on his Arabic coffee soon after.

The white-haired man cleared his throat and sat straight. He couldn’t even look at Gen’s eyes. How funny. “It’s been better, dad. Y/N has been with me all throughout.”

“It’s her role as a wife,” Gen stated the obvious with a stern voice. Why bother beating around the bush when they could go straight to the damn point? “My sister’s such a good wife, isn’t she? Way too good, even. How come she’d want a divorce?”

“Gen.” Your father warned, and thus garnering the awkward silence in the room.

When you took a deep breath, Gen already expected that you would be speaking on behalf of your cowardly husband. “Dad, Gen… I know things may be confusing, but I just wanna clear out that Satoru and I are fine. The divorce was… Well, we had an argument and I said things I didn’t mean.”

Lies, thought Gen. Even your dad didn’t believe your bullshit because, for goodness sake, you can’t fool the family you grew up with. You were a kind, patient, and sympathetic woman who would never decide on things rashly unless provoked. So, why were you lying for Satoru? And why the hell was your husband looking so regretful? He was like a cat with folded ears after being caught stealing food on a table.

“I just need to hear it from you, darling.” Although your dad spoke in a calm tone, he was anything but. “Are you happy?”

The repeated blinks. The breath you restrained. Satoru squeezing your hand. Gen caught it all. Whatever reason would leave your mouth, she would no longer believe it.

“Yes,” you said your lie just as your sister expected. “I’m happy, dad. Don’t worry. I’m actually here to deliver some news.”

News? Gen glanced at Satoru who was gazing at you with eyes full of overwhelming love. It seemed genuine yet so hard to trust. “What is it?” your sister probed, hoping that it was something to rejoice about.

The hand on your belly was the answer. No wonder you were wearing a prairie dress today, but there was nothing much to show on your barely-there bump either way. Just the unusual radiant glow on your face and the clear attachment to your husband. Gen has had her fair share of this experience, so she knew all too well that a man would be ten times more attracted to a pregnant wife. It could explain the hearts in his eyes whenever he looked at you.

“Pregnant?” your father’s eyes lit up. “Darling, you’re pregnant? Is that right?”

“Mommy, I have a cousin!” Nina cheered on.

As for Gen, she smiled for you and you only. “Congratulations, Y/N. You finally have a baby!”

It was a bitter feeling that, not long ago, Gen always had conversations with Satoru on how to get his wife to conceive a boy. They were a lot closer back then and she treated him like a younger brother not just by law, but by blood. Now, she could barely smile at the guy, much less trust him.

But setting her feelings aside, the expected fusillade of questions happened after and they all came from your dad: since when? Is it a boy or a girl? Are you healthy? Are you craving anything specific? Oh, boy, was your father ready to send a truck full of groceries to your house. Gen hasn’t seen him go through a whirlwind of positive emotions like this since your mother was still alive and it was almost difficult for Gen to cut the wholesome scene. Keyword: almost.

“Y/N, can I have a word with you in private?” Unfortunately for you, Gen’s smile was evanescent. And your husband? He was encouraging you to go, though he was clearly hurt by his sister-in-law’s ice cold treatment towards him.

Your father agreed nevertheless. “You should go. Satoru and I have to talk, too.”

Ah, the business talk. Gen heard about it beforehand. The Chairman of CFG was to let Satoru Gojou know that the merger would not push through. That even if his wife was pregnant, it was not worth risking the business ties that they already established prior. Of course, Creston would still hold a large part of the Gojou Group’s core investments so that was not entirely a ‘cut-off’. It was merely a business decision to keep two companies from clashing and hence, a merger could only be detrimental than beneficial.

To you, it wasn’t about business. When Gen guided you into the balcony, she leaned against the balustrade while you looked ahead towards the familiar view of the Tokyo bay.

Only the susurration of the wind and the chirping of birds could be heard until Gen opened her mouth. “Tell me honestly. Are you staying with him because you have a baby? I’m sure you wouldn’t have asked for a divorce if you knew you were pregnant beforehand.”

“Gen.” A deep sigh crawled out of your lips. “I already told you, we had a petty fight and I announced the divorce on a whim. It wasn’t anything serious.”

Your protective sister crossed her arms. “I fight with my husband too, but it’s never to a point where I ask for a divorce,” See? Gen hit bullseye with that, “and let’s not forget that you’re far more patient than I am.”

What else could you expect from a CEO of a huge financial conglomerate? She was a calculating and perspicacious leader. Even more, her husband earned the title of being one of the top lawyers in his firm. Imagine the logical, systematical, and methodical conversations they had to have shared in bed. There has to be a sensible answer to all her queries. Otherwise, you were clearly submitting to her suspicions.

“I’m pregnant.” You were sighing as you responded, a hand on your belly as you met your sister’s eyes. Gen felt bad somehow. “My emotions were fluctuating, that's why I gave him the ultimatum of a divorce. I didn’t mean it. Those were my hormones.”

Regardless of that, she was still doubtful and could not even hide it. “Did Satoru cheat on you? He’s not treating you right, isn’t he?” She released a heavy exhale. “Your marriage is arranged after all. You don’t even wear your rings.”

To think of it, your immediate reaction when Gen mentioned the rings was to hide your hand behind you. “It’s my marriage, Gen. I really appreciate that you’re so protective of me and I love you for it. So much. But when I say we’re fine, please trust me.”

That answer was not a direct response to her questions. It was vague with a clear inclination to convince. In other words: mind your own business, Gen.

Fine. Whatever, then. Gen still ended up embracing you into her arms and giving you all the advice that you needed as a previously pregnant woman herself. You were able to soften up into the conversation when she delighted about how blissful it would be to hear your baby’s first heartbeat or feel its first kick. The excitement was pretty much visible on your face and you were deeply in love with the thought of being a mother—Gen could feel your happiness exuding. Your radiance, blinding. Your husband? Revolting. But Gen decided not to show her animosity more than she already has.

Satoru had it easy with your dad because the old man was kind enough to explain the business matters with his son-in-law. Although Gen suspected that he was only in a good mood because of the news of his grandkid, whereas he would have been less genial to your husband while the questionable divorce was on the table.

From what Gen gathered here, no divorce would proceed to happen. The merger was no longer in further consideration. A new baby would be welcomed into the family in seven months. That was it? Why did it feel like she was missing a puzzle piece?

“Take care, okay?” Gen wished you well as your husband guided you into the backseat of your Rolls Royce. “Eat healthy and avoid stress.”

“I will, nee-chan.” You chuckled, addressing your older sister with that tone that she used to feel annoyed with. She loved you, though. And she liked seeing your smile.

Satoru was giving a respectful 90-degree bow to his wife’s father and sister just before he got inside the car. “We’ll get going.”

Sure, you have cleared the air about your marriage, but that night when Gen was preparing for a good night’s sleep, she had to bring up the topic to her husband. He was surprised about the pregnancy, nothing special. But that was not the main dish on the 8-course meal.

“Adultery is marital misconduct, so that means alimony will be shouldered by the suspected spouse once proven, right?”

Her husband flipped the pages of the case report that he was reading in bed about a defendant’s alleged tax evasion. “I don’t have other women, you know.”

Gen let out a soft chuckle. “I know.”

In a more serious answer, her husband continued. “Where adultery is proven, the respondent will pay for a hundred percent of the costs of the divorce. Alimony will depend on a case-to-case basis. It should be specified in their prenuptial agreement.”

“Do the math here,” she proposed the financial situation by using the most dominant currency in the world, “Satoru has a two-billion dollar net worth prior to their marriage and that’s excluding his overall shares in their company. My sister only has seven hundred million dollars as of now, but that’s because she hasn’t received the total inherited assets yet.”

Her husband seemed intrigued with the mention of yours and Satoru’s name. “Any assets brought into the marriage will remain that person’s separate property. He can walk away with his two billion and Y/N can keep her seven hundred million, but any assets earned during the marriage are subject to division.”

Shit. Gen knew that, but still… “In ten years time, my sister will be worth eight billion. So, how’s that—”

“Satoru will more or less be worth twenty-five billion by then,” he stated his point to counter Gen’s logic. “If he’s set to be the sole inheritor of the Gojou Group, he has more to lose than she will.”

Gen was thankful as hell that she married a lawyer because this would be greatly advantageous to their family on the grounds of a divorce. She might be overreacting about this, but she truly just wanted the best for her sister. She wouldn’t let her be trampled upon and stripped of her rightful assets just because of a failed marriage. No, Satoru should be the one to suffer from the consequences.

All she needed for now was concrete proof.

So with that in mind, she headed towards the balcony to get some fresh air before she dialed her assistant’s number who quickly answered the phone in less than three rings. Gen did say sorry for calling her so urgently at this time of the night, but she had to.

“Do you have any means of getting a good source of information from the Gojou Group?” she ordered, breathing deeply into the phone. “I need you to look into Satoru’s potential affairs.”

Eula was surprisingly a good actress.

It wasn’t like she had no conscience, but she was left with no choice except to hide any possible trace of being the cause of Nana’s death. She even had to pay the pathologist a butt load of money just to ensure that the autopsy would confirm a heart attack as the primary reason. She was off the hook because of her cunning personality and her clueless husband was still an idiot who couldn’t see beyond her lies.

However, the guilt was still eating her alive each time she would wake up in the morning because the so-called guilt was on the physical existence of her son, Yuuta Okkotsu—the very son she raised on her own after her partner knocked her up and abandoned her. It was the same son who was the only person aware of her crime.

She couldn’t trust her own flesh and blood. With the way Yuuta was acting weird since that gruesome night, she knew that she had to do something to prevent him from spilling any suspicious information. He’s a kid, she considered. Such an honest kid like him could be a dangerous threat to her.

“Don’t you think you should fly to Massachusetts soon?” she asked the carrier of her guilt, patting the dust on his shoulder as they stood at a distance out of earshot from her husband. Thankfully, the golf course was wide enough from any prying ears and the old man was too busy swinging his club towards his aim that he paid no attention to his wife.

Yuuta adjusted his cap and barely saw his mother eye-to-eye. “I leave in three months, mom.”

“I know, but wouldn’t it be better that you settle early and make some friends?” Her tone made it seem as though she was concerned.

Her son, on the other hand, had a face filled with remorse. “Mom, you should just admit to your—”

“Do. Not. Start with me right now, Yuuta Okkotsu.” She put a heavy emphasis on every word, panicking internally as she looked around to see if anyone had heard.

Yuuta flinched from her voice and slumped his shoulders while scooting away from his mother. “It’s not right that you’re putting the blame on my brother.”

She snorted. “Satoru? To hell with that. He’s been treating you like a dog because he knows he’s the legal heir. Don’t feel bad for him.” Legal by law and blood. If Eula had the option to bring Nana back to life, she would be willing to exchange that bastard Satoru in return. He was the main obstacle that she couldn’t seem to get rid of.

“Onto the next course!”

The caddie’s announcement forced Eula and Yuuta to cut their conversation because her husband was now fast approaching, rotating his gloved wrist while heading his way towards the golf cart. His caddies followed him like a tail as they carried all of his clubs and sealed him from the afternoon heat with an umbrella.

“My love, you did great!” Eula praised and drowned him with compliments, sending Yuuta a sharp wary look before looking back at her husband. “You’re so athletic.”

The old man stretched his arm, chin nodding forward. “Yuuta, don’t you wanna give it a shot? Satoru never lets me score better than him.”

Satoru, again. Her husband always mentioned that stupid son of his whenever she accompanied him for his weekend leisures. It was always ‘Satoru is great at tennis, Satoru is great at polo, Satoru is great at horse racing, Satoru this and that’ — Who the fuck cares? The kid grew up playing all of the rich people's sports accessible to him so her husband shouldn’t compare him to her humble son, Yuuta. Besides, wasn’t he the one physically abusing his own son whenever he wasn’t pleased?

“I’ll try my best, dad.” Yuuta’s answer received a pat on the back.

But before they could get in their carts and move to the next course, an approaching cart from three familiar faces caught the Gojou family off guard. The dark hair, scarred lip, feminine lashes, muscular build.

“Ah, Toji Zen’in.” Her husband greeted the man as soon as he, his son, and Yuuta’s friend got off their golf cart. Eula’s heart was rapid inside her chest and her curious eyes looked around to see if a certain blond with sharp eyes was here, too.

“Mr. Chairman. Good to see you.” There, they exchanged a few words of fake acknowledgement while the kids greeted each other. Toji was never one to display an antagonistic demeanor towards his business rival, but there was still tension whenever the two families crossed paths. “I didn’t know you played golf here.”

The older man smiled. “I didn’t know you played golf at all. You made me think you’re gonna be a Formula One driver.”

The shared chuckles—fake. Eula gave no shit about their pretentious friendship. Or business connection. Or whatever act of courtesy they were pulling. She didn’t join the conversation because rich people always used highfalutin jargon that she couldn’t keep up with. All she cared about was whether Naoya was with them because she hasn’t seen the man for a few days now and neither was he responding to her text messages. Was he with another woman? Perhaps younger? Eula was boiling, seething inside. If she ever caught him entangled with another beautiful woman, God forbid what she would do to that girl’s face.

“—it’d be nice to play with you next time, Toji,” Eula cut out of trance as she heard her husband say those words to the Zen’in guy. Well, that was until her husband received a phone call, excusing himself from the conversation to immediately take it. “Hello?”

During that moment, Toji was looking at his son and pulling the younger man by the nape. “Greet your elders, Megumi.”

“Good afternoon, Mrs. Gojou.” The boy with long lashes immediately gave her a courteous bow while Yuuta and Maki (?) or was it Mai (?) were busy having their conversation on one side. Megumi certainly took after her dad and Eula couldn’t deny the flawless genes that flowed through the Zen’in bloodline.

“Nice to see you two.” She returned the gesture towards the father and son, soon taking her chance to ask about Naoya. “That other man, the blond… Is he not with you?”

Toji’s eyes were humorless, but the sly curve of his lips said otherwise. Was he aware? “Naoya? He’s not with us.”

“Hates golf,” added Megumi. “He’s with S—”

The young man’s father chimed in. “Your outfit looks good on you, Mrs. Gojou.”

While she appreciated the compliment, Eula wanted to hear what Megumi was about to say. However, she never had the chance to ask again because her husband’s imposing voice scandalized the rest of the people within the stretch of green fields in that golf course.

“What do you mean Y/N’s pregnant? Why didn’t Satoru tell me right away?!”

A gasp from Yuuta. A smile from Maki. A mirroring image of wide eyes, parted mouths, and immobile bodies from Toji and Megumi combined. The caddies, the staff, and the rest of the others were in total shock from the sudden news and Eula almost fainted because of it. She was far from pleased to hear about this because a) the baby would be another obstacle when it came to matters of inheritance and b) that baby would definitely bring Shinzo closer to his son.

But then again, it could become a good distraction from Nana’s death.

How in God’s name should Eula even react to it?

The information about your pregnancy had spread like wildfire to the point that it even reached the local news.

Satoru clearly didn’t want to stress you out, but it seemed that his father had apparently found out about your pregnancy in a very public place, which of course gained the curious interest of keen bystanders. Rumors were always quick to circulate, especially on a web of internet space, that was why you already expected the notifications that blew up on your phone when the information got leaked. It didn’t stress you out per se. You even found it humorous how much of a celebrity you had become overnight while Satoru was the one pacing back and forth all night, overthinking whether the attention would be extremely bad for you and your baby. You couldn’t even count the downpour of apologies that left his mouth and you had to shut him up with a kiss just to calm him down. What a cute husband and daddy.

The lovely messages from the public have been really touching. They all wished you a healthy pregnancy and offered enthusiastic words towards your baby, with even some memes about you and your husband adopting them or claiming that the baby was already richer than they would ever be. In fact, the words ‘Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Gojou’ was the top trending topic on Twitter last night and it astounded you just how much more popular you were as a couple than it seemed.

Satoru was used to the spike of attention because he had always been a known bachelor who earned a rightful spot on the Forbes Under-30 list before he married you. What you didn’t expect was how you would also have to deal with a portion of his own fame now that you were his wife. But as long as the attention wasn’t harmful, as long as people still gave you privacy, nothing should pose a problem to you and your baby.

That essentially still didn’t manage to dispel Satoru’s fears. And here came The Deal—in his words, ‘mommy would have to come with daddy to his office so he won’t worry too much about leaving her behind’. There was nothing wrong with his request because you would be glad to come with him. What he just failed to realize was how awkward it would be for you to be around the same people who witnessed your dramatic moment at the 50th anniversary. That, and the fact that your baby was literally made in his office.

The fresh memory of you sitting on his cock—hands pressed against his office table while his fingers dug deep into your hips—was still as vivid as though it just happened yesterday. You remembered how stable his rhythm was, how he played with your nipples under your blouse, how he covered your mouth to prevent your whimpers, how he pounded through your walls roughly, and how he spilled every drop of semen straight into your cervix. Oh, Satoru. You were so full of cum that it even dripped down to your thighs until the devilish husband wiped them with tissues.

Perhaps there was no need to be graphic about that spicy recollection of sexual adventures. It was just funny to think that a quickie was what resulted into the most precious angel inside your womb.

Your bump was not at all prominent and if people looked closely, it looked like you had just eaten two quarter pounders. Because you still maintained your previous figure, you were able to wear your favorite pair of vintage Chanel together with your snakeskin Birkin and Ferragamo shoes.

As your husband pointed out, “Baby, you look like you’re gonna be walking on a fashion runway.”

“You’re one to talk, Mr. I Only Wear Zegna Suits.”

When you stepped out of the elevator to the C-Suite floor, lo and behold were the series of congratulations and the gleeful faces of the executives and their staff. You had no other words for them except to smile in gratitude as your husband held your hand while you two walked along the corridor towards his office. It was a celebration indeed because this baby was not at all ordinary. Regardless of the gender, your child would be the next heir of the Gojou Group and Creston combined. Your little bean wasn’t even aware of the immense power and status that it had and would have once it was born.

For now, mommy has to be in great health in order to deliver safely.

“I have a meeting,” announced your husband as he guided you to sit on his expensive leather couch. “I’m sorry. It’ll be quick.”

You sent him a nod, already browsing through one of the magazines on his coffee table. “I’ll be alright. I’ll wait for you.”

Gojou seemed to be having a dilemma about whether or not he should leave you alone and the way he glanced at Miwa gave you the impression that he wanted his secretary to stay with you. “Miwa, can you—”

You cut him off. “Absolutely not. Miwa has to go with you to take some notes. I’ll be fine, Satoru.”

The blue-haired girl bowed at you in return while your husband had finally given up on whatever plans he had. He probably would still ask his other employees to look after you, though. You knew him that well.

“I’ll be back before you know it.” He leaned in to meet your lips with a peck, later crouching down to be at face level with your belly. “My little bug. Protect mommy’s heart while I’m gone, okay?”

The cute scene tugged at your lips. “Go now. You’re late for your meeting.”

Gojou was still in a cold war with his father who unfairly blamed him for his Nana’s death so you could understand why your husband didn’t want to contact him firsthand to deliver the news of your pregnancy. He simply didn’t deserve to be a grandfather especially since they have serious issues at home. In business, not so much. Satoru’s father would of course want him to continue with work instead of completely neglecting his duties because his decisions gravely matter to the company. They could avoid each other in the office, but they have to put their personal feelings aside when it comes to the company.

Thankfully, though, your father-in-law was out somewhere doing field work.

You were pretty much fine to spend the next twenty minutes alone in your husband’s office. You didn’t have enough energy to walk around so you remained on the couch while looking through the magazines that took your interest until you noticed a small frame atop his oak desk that you hadn’t  seen before. The clicks and clacks of your heels then filled your ears as you walked towards his office desk to see the photo on the said frame—it was your wedding photo. The same huge portrait that took a significant space in your living room. It may look like you were both happily married in that picture, but the camera failed to capture the real feelings that you two had that day—that he hated the marriage while you were heartbroken from the realization.

Your attention was quickly snatched away when you heard a notification on your phone signaling a text from a good friend of yours who was also your beloved breath of fresh air.

Toji: I can’t believe Mrs. Zen’in has a baby!

It was embarrassing how quickly you laughed.

You: How shameful of Mrs. Zen’in!

Toji: Very. I wonder if she’s taking care of her health, though.

This third-person talk was so entertaining that you didn’t notice how big your grin was.

You: Worry not, she is healthy and doted on. She’s also wondering if you can meet with her some time soon.

Toji: I would love to meet with her. Maybe she can explain this act of infidelity to me.

How could Toji make you laugh through texting alone? However, the joy in your eyes and the expanse of your beam were only fleeting when an uncomfortable presence had set foot inside your husband’s office.

“Hey.”

Sera was entering with a tray on her hand that had snacks in the form of biscuits, a teacup and a saucer. You realized that you have totally forgotten that she was still relevant to your life at all. No, seriously. You didn’t mean that in a bad way. Only that you haven’t been paying attention to the outside noise ever since you found out about your pregnancy and you nearly erased Sera’s existence from your mind.

That being said, how did Sera react to the very pregnancy that plagued every news channel? You prepared yourself for the forthcoming insults, screams, and perhaps violence that she would throw at you.

“Did someone send you here?” you asked, walking back into the couch to take your seat. She prepared tea and cranberry biscotti for the wife of the man she was head-over-heels for. Were you dreaming?

As a matter of fact, there were no traces of melancholy on her face. Her cheeks were free of tears and her face was as fresh as morning dew. You had to admit that Sera was one of the prettiest women you’ve seen in your life.

“I heard about the pregnancy…” she began. Here we go. “Congratulations.”

Did you hear that right? “Thank you,” you said. I mean, what else could you have said? Her congratulating you was already shocking in itself. What kind of self-reflection did she have since your last encounter? It was hard to believe how much her stance had changed. Maybe the news about your baby knocked some sense into her and she realized that it was futile to keep holding onto a man who had already given up on her.

“I can’t wish you well since this is hard for me to accept,” she said, holding the tray in her hand as she stood just a few meters away from the coffee table. “But I hope that you’ll take good care of Satoru.”

She deserved nothing but a nod from you. “I will.”

You at least appreciated that she lowered down her pride to talk to you calmly like this and you had high hopes that Sera still had minuscule kindness inside of her. Even more, she seemed genuinely interested in your pregnant belly with the way she was glancing at it.

“Oh, I’m not showing much yet,” you told her as you read her expression.

She displayed a small smile. “I prepared you tea since coffee is bad for pregnant women. It’s a hundred percent herbal and helps prevent anxiety. I know you need it since… the whole thing with Nana.”

“Yeah, thank you. I appreciate it.”

You grabbed the teacup and saucer, indulging yourself on the sweet aroma of the tea before sipping its sweet and somehow bitter taste. Sera then decided it was best to leave you alone without anything else to say because the air was awkward enough and you weren’t exactly willing to converse with your husband’s old flame. You were nice enough not to disclose her participation in Satoru's adultery at the start of your marriage, so she should understand that you and her could never be the best of friends.

As you placed the teacup back on the table, the door flew open again, but this time it was a six-foot tall man with albino hair and glowing blue eyes who greeted you excitedly.

“I’m back!” He spread his arms wide, ready to embrace you once you got up. “Miss me?”

You shot him a teasing grin. “Not really. You interrupted my snack time.”

“My bad. Tea time?” His eyes trailed down to the teacup on the table, quickly scrutinizing the content and even smelling the liquid inside the cup. His reaction was within the grounds of ‘normal’ until the ever-so-protective husband actually took a sip of the tea. In less than a second, the cup was on the carpeted floor and the content had spilled. You were far too frozen to react, but very much conscious to see the way Satoru’s face contorted into anger. “How much did you drink?!”

You panicked. “I-I… Just a little sip. Why?”

“Do you know how fucking dangerous that is? That’s chamomile!” he was yelling, not really towards you but to your careless decision to drink the said herbal tea. Was he overreacting? You weren’t even aware. “It’s not advisable for pregnant women. If you drank too much of that, you might have a misc—”

“But I didn’t know!” You approached your husband and reached for his hand. “I’m sorry for worrying you. I really didn’t drink a lot. Sera told me that the tea could help…” you trailed off in realization.

Gojou, too, had the same look on his face as he spoke with gritted teeth. “Sera gave that to you?”

His eyes scared you, but you recognized what brought those terrifying anger in his cold blues.

Sera just tried to kill the baby.

Was there any other way to sugarcoat it? Satoru was already stomping out of the office, hand clenched into a fist while you ran after him. Scared, nervous, befuddled—your mind was a mess. You couldn’t understand what was happening and just how shocking it all was. Even the employees looked intrigued as to why their boss was walking along the corridor with a fixed scowl that ultimately drove them away from blocking his path. No one else dared to approach him as you silently followed behind until Satoru stopped halfway to talk to one of the bodyguards near the reception.

“Call the security team, now!” he ordered in a domineering voice that made the other receptionists flinch and they all folded as soon Satoru’s piercing gaze scanned the two of them. “Where’s Sera?”

The poor girls couldn’t even look at your husband’s eyes and one of them had a quivering voice as she answered, “O-On the fax machine, Mr. Gojou.”

It was difficult to catch up to Satoru’s pace, especially when he was hellbent on confronting his ex-lover who had just tried to cause his own wife’s miscarriage. You wanted to be angry, and damn you did feel the fire burning in your head, but you had to maintain your calmness for the sake of your baby. Let Satoru deal with her and all you had to do was see what kind of excuse Sera would pull after attempting to harm your baby.

When you saw the brown-haired woman on the fax machine, guilt was clearly there on her face. She knew what she had done and she was masking her remorse with a rigid face.

“I’ve been nothing but good to you,” Gojou stood at a safe proximity away from her while he uttered his words with clenched fists. “I even let you hit me and begged you not to hurt my wife. I tried to end our relationship in the most civil way possible and this is how you… how you repay me?”

Did he really do that? You suppressed your gasp from coming out as you stayed silent behind your husband.

Sera averted her eyes. Although it was impossible to hide her trembling hands. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Mr. Gojou.”

“Hell! Don’t fucking lie to me! You know exactly what you did! You disgust me.” The emphasis in those three words that left his mouth were the same words that finally brought tears in Sera’s eyes. “I’m going to file a restraining order against you if you don’t leave my wife alone.”

“Satoru, wait n-no. It’s not what you think—” Sera tried to appeal, but the security guards had already arrived and were pulling her arms like a prisoner who had just committed a crime.

It was easy to tell that your husband felt betrayed that his ex—someone whom he once truthfully loved—would do such a thing to you. And while you were the victim in this situation, your anger had subsided into momentary pity because Sera was breaking down.

“I didn’t mean it!” she cried and begged for his understanding, heavy tears cascading down on her cheeks in such a pitiful state. “Don’t do this. Don’t.”

Without another word, Satoru protectively pulled you closer and gestured for the security team to escort her out of the office. There was no sympathy in his sadistic gaze and you knew that this was when your husband truly saw how, since the very beginning, Sera would only be the cause of his own downfall.

“Send her out of the building,” he spat, turning his back on her and pulling you by the hand as you could hear his ex-lover crying for forgiveness. “And throw her shit out of the office. She no longer works here.”

jjk general taglist: @kity @deeznutss @suhkusa @wonyoschubs @the-golden-jhope @6mattsun9 @hokageyamz @ermahgerd-larry-and-ziam @crashica @aizawap @juniorhooter @atsumusoup @gxtitobxby @strawberries-en-cream @dora-the-grownup @softy-woo @tsumume @kac-chowsballs @anime-nymph @kageyamakock @onlyonew @underratedmage @katsulovee @crapimahuman @alicia-1725 @fatal-impact @drippedcream

sincerely not taglist: @itsnotsoni @pluviophilefangirl @daphnxy @Icveaesop @choso-bee @sparklingblacktea @omisemi @captainchrisstan @http-strawbebbies @buttercups145 @xllance @jonsncws @and-you-found-me @tobiotetsu @jeonjungkookismyfuture @d-efend @honouredsatoru @my-reality-is-in-my-head @blueowl51 @misslovingpearl @cuteissei @japanesevenom @borpcorp @ushi-bakatoshi @idyllicodyssea

[andydrysdalerogers]

Memory ~ Steve Rogers

Summary: When you come back from a mission injured, you don't remember anything... or anyone...

Word Count: 5k+

Songs:

Remember Me – Performed by Nick Pitera The Scientist – Coldplay - performed by Corinne Bailey Rae Good Thing – Reel Big Fish Kiss Me – Ed Sheeran

Warnings: traumatic brain injury, angst, fluff, a really cute teddy bear and really smad Steve...

YN, where are you?

"I'm on my way.  Thirty seconds."  You were running towards the jet, the mission a complete failure.  The rest of your team on this mission, Tony, Rhodey and Sam were already there, waiting for you.  You were separated and got caught on your own.  You had been lucky so far, managing to take down all the HYDRA agents you encountered.  You could see the jet in your line of vision and your thoughts drifted to Steve.  That tiny distraction allowed an explosion to throw you against a tree, hitting your head.

YN!

That was the last thing you heard before darkness engulfed you.

*

Steve waited anxiously for the jet to arrive.  It was hard enough for you and him to be on separate missions but his needed to be a deep cover mission while yours was supposed to be easy.  Sam and Tony promised they would watch over you. He rocked on his heels and then his heart leaped into his throat when he saw the jet approaching.  Bruce appeared with the gurney and Bucky came to stand by Steve.  "She'll be ok, punk."  Steve merely nodded.

The jet landed and the men rushed forward.  You were lying on the center table, a bandage wrapped around your head, cuts and bruises decorating your arms and face.  Steve picked you up to place you in the gurney.  "Baby, can you hear me?"

"She hasn't responded since the explosion Cap," Sam explains. "Her vitals have been ok but so far no response."

"Let's get her to medical and run the scans," Bruce said. Bucky, Steve, Sam and Bruce pushed the gurney to medical with Tony and Rhodey following closely.  Bruce immediately drew blood and started to push you towards the MRI.  He stopped Steve from entering. "I can't let you in there, Steve.  It will be about half an hour for the scans and then another hour for the results.  I'll let you back in when we are done."

Steve nodded and went back to the living room where the rest of the team waited.  Tony had poured himself a drink, trying to calm his nerves. Natasha, Wanda and Vision had joined the guys, waiting for news.  "Bruce is running test.  We won't know for a while," Steve explained.  He paced the floor, deep in thought.

Nat was the first to speak. "What happened?  I mean, it was supposed to be an easy recon mission."

Tony threw back the drink in his hand. "We got separated.  I went in with her and they were waiting.  I went to cover her and she got pushed into another hallway.  She did great until we got out in the open.  Then I don't know how they got the drop on her.  The rest of the us had made it to the jet.  I saw her and a second later there was an explosion and then she flew into the tree."

Hearing the story made Steve snap.  "You were supposed to be watching her," he muttered.  He looked up.  "You fucking promised me that you would take care of her."

Bucky got up seeing the rage building in Steve's face.  "Steve, breathe man." He grabbed for Steve's arm but Steve shook him off.

"They all promised me that she would be safe, that my fiancé would come home to me in one piece." Steve had fury in his eyes, the veins bulging in his arms and neck.

"Steve, we're sorry.  We didn't know," Sam tried to explain.

"I trusted you Sam.  I fucking trusted you.  You're supposed to be my best friend. You fucking promised me that you would have her six! So why is she in the god damn med bay?!" 

Nat stood up.  "Steve, that's enough."  He whipped his head at Nat.  "It was an accident, Steve.  She's alive and they brought her home," she said gently. 

Finally, Steve broke down.  Nat wrapped her arms around Steve as he started to cry.  "I almost lost her."

Bruce walked back in. "She's stable but still unconscious.  Steve, if you want, you can sit by her bedside."

Steve went in and saw you in the medical bed, an IV in your arm, oxygen in your nose. You looked so small but peaceful. Steve leaned in and kiss your forehead.  "I'm here love."

For a week, Bucky, Sam and Steve kept vigil at your bedside, while the rest of the team handled everything else.  Steve rarely left your side, holding your hand.  Sam and Bucky had to convince him to eat something, rest, shower, reminding him how angry you would be if he didn't take care of himself.

On the eighth day, Steve was finally sleeping, exhaustion taking over him.  Sam sat by your bedside, reading a book to you.  He heard a noise and looked down at you, shock hitting him as your YEC eyes stared up at him.  "Holy shit."

"Where am I?" you demanded.

"You are in the medical bay.  Let me get Bruce."  Sam rushed out of the room while you laid on the bed, looking around.

Bruce came in with Sam. "Hi, welcome back." He started to check everything over. "How do you feel?"

"Sore." Bruce went to check on your heart but you recoiled.  "Don't touch me!"

Bruce stepped back.  Sam moved forward.  "YN, sweetheart, we are just trying to check on you."

"Who the hell is YN?"

Sam's mouth dropped open and looked at Bruce.  Bruce looked at you, sympathy crossing his face.  "Ok, my name is Bruce.  This is Sam.  We are part of the Avengers.  Just like you.  Your name is YN.  You are an agent."

You looked into this gentle man's face and understood that he wasn't lying to you.  "My name is YN?"

"Yes. You took a blow to your head about a week ago and you have been unconscious since then.  Do you remember that?"

You shook your head.  You sat up and pushed yourself to the corner of the bed and hugged your knees, scared of what was happening.

"We need to get the team together."

"Ok," Sam approached you again. "I'm going to talk with the rest of the team so we can introduce you slowly to them.  Bruce is going to check you.  I'll be right back."  He left the room to wake Steve and the others. "Steve, man. Wake up." He gently shook the super soldier.

"Sam, what is it?" Steve asked groggily.

"It's YN."

Steve sat up quickly.  "Is she ok?  Did something happen?  Oh god, I knew sleeping was a bad idea."  He started to rush to pull on pants and a shirt.

"Steve, calm down.  I need you to be calm."

"Sam, what happened."

"She's awake.  But there is a problem."

"A problem?"

"She doesn't know who she is or who we are.  Bruce had to tell her what her name is.  She didn't remember him, or me, or what had happened."

Steve's face fell.  "She doesn't remember?"

"No, it doesn't look like it.  Bruce is checking her over.  We need to tell everyone else.  She's scared. Steve," Sam placed his hand on Steve's shoulder, "I know you want to see her but if she doesn't remember who she is, she may not remember you."

Steve felt his heart break. "Ok. I just want to see her."

Sam sighed.  "Let's just get the team together and then see what Bruce recommends.  This has to be overwhelming for her."

The team was gathered with Nat and Bucky sitting with Steve. Bruce came in. "She had severe memory loss.  It may be temporary."  He looked at Steve.  "It may not.  I think it best we just introduce ourselves one by one. Let's not overwhelm her more than she already is.  Umm..." he hesitated.

"Bruce, please just tell us." Steve pleaded with the doctor.

"She has asked for Sam to stay with her."

Sam's eyes widen with surprise. "Me?"

"I think this is like imprinting.  Your face was the first one she saw. She may not trust you but you were there.  I would go back in and tell her about yourself and then we can start introducing everyone else."

Sam looked at Steve.  "I'm sorry."

"No, it's ok.  Just take care of her. But I would like to be next to be introduced."

"Yeah, of course man."  Sam stood up and went to the medical room.

You sat there, chewing your thumb.  Bruce explained what had happened.  It explained why your head hurt but it didn't explain how you ended up here.  You just chanted in your head, My name is YN and I am an Avenger.  The door opened and the same guy as before came back in.  What was his name again?

"Hi YN," he said.  "Do you remember me from earlier?"  You nodded.  "My name is Sam."

"Sam," you repeated.  "You were here when I woke up."

"Yes, I was.  We've been taking turns."

"We?"

"Others that you will meet very soon." He sat by your bedside.  "How are you feeling?"

"My head hurts and I'm a little nervous, confused.  What are you to me?"

"I'm your friend." Sam offered you a smile.  "I'm one of your best friends."  He took your hand.

"You called me sweetheart earlier.  And I have this ring," you showed him your left hand.  "Does that mean we are engaged?"

Sam stopped breathing.  He took a moment to think about what to say.  He didn't want you to panic.  "No, YN, we are not engaged.  It's... a promise ring.  You made a promise and you put on the ring to remember."

"Oh.  But you like me?"

"Of course."

"And you'll stay beside me?"

"Always YN.  I'll be here for you always."  Sam stood up.  "I'm going to get the next person for you to meet.  I'll be right back."

You finally smiled. "OK.  Thank you, Sam."

"You're welcome sweet... YN."  Sam finally realized why you were now making assumptions.  He stepped out of the room and leaned against the wall.  Steve came down and saw him there. 

"Sam?"

"Steve.  We have a bigger problem."  Sam closed his eyes.  "I am so sorry."

"Sorry?  Sorry for what?"

"When YN woke up and was panicking, I tried to call her down. I called her 'sweetheart' on reflex.  You know I've called her that all the time." Steve nodded. "She took that as I was her partner."

Steve looked at him confused until it clicked.  "She thinks you two are in a relationship. Did you correct her?"

"She looked at her ring on her hand and ask if we were engaged.  I said no that it was a promise ring.  I didn't want her to panic more.  That's why she wants me to stick with her.  I'm sorry.  It was a reflex."

"No, no it's ok." Steve rubbed his neck.  "I want to see her, but we can't tell her yet, can we?"

"We should ask Bruce if it will affect her recovery."

"Sure ok.  Umm, let me just see her.  I won't say anything."  Sam nodded and led him into the room.

"YN, this is Steve.  He's our team leader."

You looked at the attractive blonde and smiled.  "Hi Steve. I'm YN.  But you know that."

Steve smiled, trying to keep his composure.  "Hi YN.  How are you feeling?"

"I'm ok.  A little confused."  Steve came to sit by you.  "Are you my friend?"

Steve felt the stab of pain in his heart.  He swallowed.  "Yes, I am.  All of us are very good friends."

"All?"

"Oh, sorry.  You haven't met the others but you will.  We are a pretty tight group here."

"That's nice.  I live here?"

"Yes, you have a room here.  I can take you when Bruce releases you."

"Do I live with Sam?"

Sam quickly jumped in when he saw the look on Steve's face.  "No, we don't live together.  You have your own room because... because you wanted to have your own space until you got married."

"Oh.  That sounds smart.  Don't want to be involved with someone who might leave," you said with a smile.

Sam smiled back.  "YN, we have to get the next person, but we'll be back."  The pair stood up and walked out of the room.  Steve sagged against the wall.  "Are you ok Steve?"

"Yes, I just... I just wasn't ready for how much that would hurt.  She doesn't know me.  Three years and it's all gone.  And what about her room?  Our room.  She... I..."

"Ok, one step at a time.  We talk to the team first, we'll get a room ready for her, and then we work on getting the truth to her.  Everything is going to work itself out, you'll see."

Over the next few days, you met the team and started to spend more time with them.  As promised, Sam walked you to your room.  It had photos of the team, little knick-knacks that you loved, according to him.  You were right in the middle of the floor between Steve and Sam.  Steve accompanied you, an unknown look on his face. You made yourself a note to ask Sam but promptly forgot it as soon as your head hit the comfortable bed.

Bucky was the one who helped you navigate learning the tech in your room since he had gone through the learning processes the most recently.  But you stuck to Sam as much as you could while he was home.  When he left for a mission, you would stick to Steve, Bucky or Natasha.  They made sure someone was home with you.

Tony eventually made you a tracking bracelet as you would get lost so much.  One incident had you leaving the compound for a walk and not finding your way back through the trees.  You thought Steve would cry when he found you a few hours later.  Steve was very protective of you, even if you didn't understand why.

A few weeks after the accident found the team in the living room for movie night.  You had fallen asleep on Sam's shoulder, much to the ire of Steve.  His jaw was hard, staring at you and the closeness of Sam to you.  Sam had wrapped an arm around you to keep you comfortable.  Steve sighed and got up to get another beer.  Bucky had been watching and followed.

"Punk, you need to relax."

"I can't Bucky.  He gets to hold her.  He gets to comfort her.  What do I get?  I feel like I am losing her.  Like I've already lost her. I love her and she doesn't even know." Steve braced himself on the counter, his head bowed.

"You never know, she could wake up from this fog she's in." Bucky stood next to Steve with his arms crossed. "It's not Sam's fault.  It's not her fault.  It isn't anyone's fault."

"I miss her Bucky. I miss sleeping next to her, I miss her shampoo in my bathroom.  Our stupid stuffed bear she... she insists on sleeping with even though I'm there. I just... miss her."

You stood just outside of the door, overhearing bit of the conversation.  You had gotten up to get some water when you heard the boys talking.  Instead of going in, you headed to your room.  You sat on the couch where a bear was sitting.  You looked at it closely, not sure if this is the bear Steve was talking about.  You saw some stitching on the paw of the bear.

Steve + YN

Sam knocked on your door a few minutes later. "Come in."

"Hey YN, whatcha doing?"

You held up the bear. "What does this mean?"

Sam sucked in air.  Everyone knew about that bear.  Steve had gotten it for you after your first fight.  He had brought it to you with a smoothie and flowers.  You had stitched his name and yours on it and gave it back to him on your first anniversary.  From then on, it was "our" bear. "Umm...."

"Sam, please, just tell me."

Sam closed the door and sat across from you.  "YN, you and I were not a couple.  Friends, yes.  But not a couple."

"Oh."  You remembered the looks that Steve would get.  "Why does Steve look sad all the time?  Why does he act weird around me?"

Sam took your hand.  "Steve and you were a couple.  Before your accident."  You looked at him open mouthed.  "Your ring... it is an engagement ring.  From Steve."

You stood up and backed away from Sam.  "You lied."

"No sweetheart, I just bent the truth.  I didn't want to overwhelm you with information. You were so scared that first day.  I wanted to build trust. I am one of your best friends and the five of us, Steve, Nat Bucky, me and you are the closest of friends."

You started to cry.  "You lied. I don't believe you."  Why didn't he tell me?

"We just wanted to help you recover, YN." Sam tried to take your hands put you pulled away.

"Get out."

"YN, please..."

"No Sam, get out!" You screamed.  Steve and Bucky heard you and rushed into your room. You looked at them, the tears still falling.  You locked eyes with Steve.  He looked like he wanted to comfort you but you just wanted to be alone.  "Get. Out!"

Sam backed away out of the room, sadness filling his face. Bucky followed but Steve hesitated.  He didn't know why you were upset but it killed him to see you so distraught.  "YN..."

"I can't talk about this right now.  Just please, give me some time."  Steve resigned in defeat and walked out, closing the door behind him.  You laid down and wailed.  You didn't know what to trust. You couldn't trust your mind and the one person who you though you could trust was lying the whole time.

Steve, Bucky, and Sam went back to the living room, the rest of the team waiting for them to return.  "Sam, what happened?" Steve asked.

"I dunno.  When she didn't come back from getting her drink of water, I went to look for her and I found her in her room looking at your bear.  She asked me about it."

"Wait, she got up to get water?  I didn't see her in the kitchen... oh," Bucky said. 

The same thought hit Steve.  "You think she overheard me?"

"I think so," Bucky said. He ran a hand through his hair.  "Why was she screaming?"

Sam sighed.  "She thinks I am a liar for not telling her the complete truth."

It took a day before you came out of your room.  Steve left food by your door asking FRIDAY to tell you that there was a snack by the door.  You always waited a few minutes before asking FRIDAY is anyone was in the hallway before taking the food.  It was curious.  You loved the food brought to you, unsure as to why.

Finally, Tony approached your door the next day.  "YN, its Tony. Can I talk to you?"

You got up and opened your door slightly.  "Are you alone?"

"Yes, sweetie. Can I come in?"

You let him in and sat on the middle of your bed as Tony leaned on the dresser.  "You know, the day I met you, you kicked my ass."  He smirked at you.  "You had to have been the toughest agent in your class.  Steve and I were so impressed.  When we brought you in for a tryout, Natasha and Clint begged us to let you on the team."

"Why are you telling me this Tony?"

"So you know how much you mean to us.  I still remember the day Rogers went to ask you out.  He was so nervous.  But you didn't make him feel bad or embarrassed.  You were so patient with him.  He looked like he won the lottery when you accepted."

You felt a tear forming in your eye.  "Why does it hurt that everyone lied?"

"Because you don't know what to trust right now. It's my fault for losing sight of you that day.  I promised Steve I would take care of you, and we failed.  We just wanted to make it right.  You were so scared those first few days."

"Sam should have told me.  Instead of lying."

"Probably, but knowing what you know now, do you think you would have been able to handle knowing you were engaged to someone you remembered nothing about?"

You stopped and thought for a moment.  "No, I don't think I could."

Tony finally sat down next to you.  "What do you want to know?"

"Is he a good man?"

"The best."

"How long?"

"Three years.  Two together. One engaged.  Your wedding is in about three months."

"He's still planning it?" This shocked you.

"Yep.  Something to hold on to when he was scared." Tony remembered the encouragement the team psychologist had given to help him hold on to hope.  Hope that you would be better soon.

"The bear?"

"A gift from him after your first fight."

You hesitated on the next question, but you wanted to know. "Am I in love?"

Tony smiled. "I think you fell in love with him after the second date."

"Is he here?"

"He's in the gym. Want me to take you to him?"

You had to see him. "Yes please."

Tony got up and took your hand.  He led you down to the gym where Steve was punching the heavy bag, his back towards the door.  "Hey Cap, you have a visitor."

Steve turned around and his face turned to surprise.  "Hi YN."

"Hi.  Can we talk?"

"Sure."  He sat down and started to unwrap his hands. 

Tony left the room and you sat next to him.  "We're engaged," you said simply.

"Yes, we were. I – I don't know where we are right now."

You chewed your lip.  "I want to trust you and get to know you again.  I just don't know how to do that."

Steve thought for a moment.  "How about I re-create our first date?"

"You remember?"

"Of course.  I remember the dress and where I took you; what we talked about and how it ended.  I could do that for you."

"Really?"

"Really.  Tonight?"

"Ok.  Sure.  Yes, ok.  First date redux."

"Perfect."  He looked at his phone.  "I'll come by your room in three hours, ok?"

"Ok."  You got up and started to walk out.  You turned back around.  "I'm excited," you said with a smile.

"So am I." Steve flashed you a real smile for the first time. It gave you butterflies.

You ran into Nat on your way to your room.  "Nat, do you remember what I wore on my first date with Steve?"

"Of course.  We went shopping for it.  Why?"

"Steve, he, uhh, wants to re-create our first date. I want to try and trust him." You blushed, remembering the smile he gave you.

Nat smiled.  She took your hand.  "How much time do we have?"

"Three hours."

"Plenty.  C'mon."  She pulled you along to your room before stopping Bucky.  "Hey Buck, can you go into Steve's room and grab that dress from the closet?"

"A dress.  Nat c'mon..." he looked at your face.  "Her dress?"

"Yeah."

"I'll be in her room in two minutes."  He ran off towards Steve's room.  Nat pushed you into yours and made you get into the shower.  As you came out in your robe, she sat you down and started to do your hair and makeup.  After what felt like forever, she stepped out to allow you to change.  The dress on your bed was beautiful. A simple skater dress in navy blue with lace sleeves to your elbows and matching flats.  Nat even laid out a necklace and earrings and your ring.  You looked in the mirror at your side sweep hair and easy makeup.  Nothing dramatic which you liked.

Nat and Bucky came back in, you twirl for them and they immediately smile.  "You look beautiful YN," Bucky says.  "You're gonna knock his socks off."

You blush.  "Thanks Bucky." There is a knock the door and you suddenly get nervous. Bucky kisses your cheek.  "You guys are meant to be," he whispers before pulling the door open for Steve.  "Hey punk."

"Bucky? What are you doing here?"

"Helping your girl get confident.  She's a little nervous."  He stepped aside and Steve inhaled, taking in the image of you.  "Wow," he breathed out.

"Hi Steve."

"Hi doll. You ready?"

"Umm... sure."  Nat pressed a clutch in your hand.  "Lip gloss and tissue, just in case," she whispers.

"Thanks Nat."  Steve offers you his elbow and you take it with a glance at Bucky and Nat.  They smiled and watched you walk out.  He led you through the living room to the door, surprise the team that had been gathered there.  Sam watched and offered you a smile.  You smiled back, hoping that when you get back you can apologize to Sam.

Steve drove you to a little town near the compound and to a cute little restaurant.  He took you to a table in the back.  "I don't know if you want me to order for you or if you want to pick something different."

You thought back to the food left for you the last day.  You loved everything brought to you and you assumed Steve had done that. "You order.  You seem to know what I like."

Steve ordered for you and himself along with a bottle of wine.  "What did you want to talk about?"

"Tell me everything."

He described the first time he saw you, similar to the same story Tony told you.  Except he described his feelings.  How he felt like he was in a dream watching you move.  How sassy you were.  How expressive your eyes were when he asked if you would come for a trial with the Avengers.  You both ate and laughed.  You were finally comfortable with him.

After dinner, you went for a walk around the little town.  He stopped in front of a closed business.  "This is a concert venue.  Small but fun.  We saw a band play here that night.  I couldn't find another one but I thought I would at least bring you here."

"Oh, did I like the band?"

"Yes, it is or was, one of your favorites.  I can play you one of their songs."  You nodded and he pulled out his phone.  The music was upbeat and fun. The song was about not wanting to see the love end.  How fitting for the moment.

"This explains the flats," you say.  Steve laughed. "It was a lot of dancing and bouncing.  C'mon," he took your hand and you walked with him to a roof top bar.  It overlooked the town, the lights twinkling.

"Technically this part was part of the second date but since we are missing the band, I figured this was a good substitute."  He went to the bar and brought you a drink while he had a beer.  You looked curiously at the drink.  "It's your favorite," he explained.  You took a sip and smiled.  It was delicious.

You kept talking.  "Tell me about how you proposed."

Steve smiled.  "I did it while we were in bed.  You had had an argument with Bucky, who was being extra annoying that night. You kept huffing as you got dressed for bed, muttering about how you were going to kill him in the morning."  Steve chuckled.  "I knew then, I never wanted to experience another night without you.  I had the ring for about a month by then.  I wasn't sure how I would do it.  But in that moment, with you, your hair in pigtails and your cute angry face, in pink pajamas, I knew.  You climbed into bed and just cuddled into me.  I stroked your hair to calm you as you laid on my chest.  It just came out.  Marry me."

You felt a tear forming, wishing you could remember the day. "How did I take it?"

"You were stunned, for sure.  You sat up to look at me and when you turned, I had the ring out for you.  You didn't say a word.  You just launched yourself at me, kissing me.  I didn't need you to say yes.  You said it just like that."  Steve could see the heartache of not being able to remember on your face.  He took the glass from your hand.  "C'mon, one more stop."

He drove you back to the compound but not to the building but to the lake.  There was a little dock there that you walked out on.  You looked at the moon reflecting on the water. Steve wrapped his arms around you from behind, resting his chin on your head.  "This is where we had our first kiss."

You turned in his arms, wrapping your own around his neck.  He caressed your cheek, the butterflies forming again in your belly. "May I kiss you YN?" You nodded and closed your eyes.  He leaned down and pressed his lips gently on yours. It warm and soft, like a blanket wrapping around you in comfort.  It was home, your favorite place to be, in Steve's arms.  You remembered this feeling, the love for him, for your relationship.  All the hopes and dreams that you shared.

When he pulled back, you smiled.  "Your kisses were always my favorite, Grant."

Steve froze.  "What did you call me?"

You frowned.  "Grant.  Am I not supposed to?"

Steve smiled.  "What's your favorite color?"

"It's blue, Steve, why are you asking..." You stopped. "Oh my god.  I remember." You looked around.  "I remember it all."

Steve pulled you up and swung you around, both of your laughs filling the air.  He set you back down and you pulled him in for a searing kiss. You breathlessly pulled away.  "I'm so sorry Stevie.  I'm sorry I forgot you."

"Hey its ok.  I just hoped that going back to the start would help and it did. Nobody said it would be easy. I missed you so much. I love you."

"I love you too.  We're getting married here on the dock, right?"

"That's how I planned it." He kissed you again.  "C'mon doll.  I'm taking my girl back to my bed. You, me and that stupid bear."

"Our bear."

"Always."

[wa-royal-tea]

Previous | Beginning | Next

(Transcript under the cut - Click Pics for HQ Version!)

Note: First post of the year! This is just a little peek into the future because I wanna see my babies talk 🥰 And also because I want to see some fluff. Don’t judge okay 😪 Now, let me get back to my break. See you guys later! And have a happy new year! ❤

Calista House, Holan (5:23pm)

???: Mo, can I ask you something?

Morana: Hm? What is it?

???: Is it fun having a brother?

Morana: Hmm, I guess so? Henry’s fun sometimes when he’s not crying like a baby.

???: But he is a baby.

Morana: Yeah, but he’s not a baby baby. He can talk now. And run too. Mommy and daddy had to chase him around the house yesterday before we came here.

???: Oh...

Morana: Why’d you ask, Rae?

Raeliana: No reason.

Morana: Are you excited to see the new baby?

Raeliana: No.

Morana: Why not? My mommy said the new baby is cute.

Raeliana: I don’t want to see him. He stole papa from me.

Morana: Why’d you say that? He’s your brother.

Raeliana: No, he’s not. I never asked for a brother. I like being alone.

Morana: But mommy said your papa need to have more babies.

Raeliana: But why? Am I not enough for him? Why would he need another baby when he has me?

Morana: I don’t know? Maybe you can ask mommy later. She knows more than I do.

Raeliana:...

*door opens and closes*

Ginny: Rae? Are you ready yet? Your papa’s going to pick you up in a few minutes.

Raeliana: I don’t want to go.

Ginny: Huh? Did something happen?

Morana: She said she doesn’t want to see the baby, mommy.

Ginny: Why not? Are you okay?

Raeliana: No, I’m not okay. Papa loves the baby more now. He didn’t even kiss me goodnight when he came home last night.

Ginny: Rae...

Raeliana: All he does is talk about the baby. He doesn’t care about me.

Ginny: Oh honey...

Ginny: Of course he still cares about you. Right now he’s just busy. He had to go and check on your brother at the hospital everyday because he’s sick.

Raeliana: But what about me? Why isn’t he checking on me too? See? He doesn’t love me anymore.

Ginny: Sweetie, he always checks on you. Before he left to the hospital this morning, he went to your room and gave you a morning kiss. But you were asleep so you didn’t know that.

Raeliana: Then why didn’t he wake me up?

Ginny: Because he knows you’re tired. You waited for him the whole night, remember? And then you fell asleep on the couch.

Raeliana:...

Ginny: Honey, your papa loves you the same way as he loves the new baby. If he doesn’t love you, he won’t ask me to come here with Mo to accompany you.

Raeliana: He did that?

Ginny: Mhm. And you know what? Since the new baby is here, he can play with you too and you don’t have to wait for the school holidays to see him like Mo.

Raeliana: Really?

Ginny: Yeap. Because he’s your brother. And he’s going to stay here with you until you both grow old together.

Raeliana: Hmm...I guess it’s not that bad to have a brother. Can I really play with him when he comes home?

Ginny: You can, but he’s still tiny. So you have to wait until he’s grown a little bit.

Raeliana: Okay...

*door opens and closes in a distance*

Ginny: That’s your papa, come on. Let’s go down. You ready to go and meet your brother now?

Raeliana: Mhm! I’m ready!

Ginny: Good. Let’s go.

Raeliana: Papa!

Alfie: Hey sweetie~

Raeliana: I missed you so much! I haven’t seen you for days!

Alfie: I miss you too, Rae. Did you behave while I was gone?

Ginny: She did. Don’t worry.

Alfie: Hey, Ginny. Thanks for babysitting Rae for me.

Ginny: No problem. Is everything okay with Damien?

Alfie: Thank goodness, he’s getting better. I was starting to get worried for him.

Ginny: What about her? When is she coming home?

Alfie: The doctor said she’ll leave with Dami. Dami needs her to get better.

Ginny: That’s great. I’m relieved.

Raeliana: Papa? Who’s Damien?

Alfie: He’s your baby brother. I just gave him his name today. Do you want to meet him?

Raeliana: Is he cute?

Alfie: He's adorable. Just like his big sister.

Raeliana: Then, let’s go! I wanna see Dami too!

Alfie: *laughs* Okay, let’s go.

Alfie: Thanks again for looking after Rae, Ginny. Tell Rainier I said hi when you go home.

Ginny: I will. Take care, Alfie.

Alfie: You too.

[kagejima]

Rae. I am thinking thoughts. And it’s not Wednesday. But I am having brainrot. (Yo this ended up being so long rip… sorry lmao)

Like like I’m thinking. Ushijima who’s so big and strong compared to his girlfriend. Ushijima whose hands are fucking huge (don’t even get me started on how his fingers would feel 🤤). Ushijima who spikes the ball and nearly flattens it when he’s not even hitting it his hardest 😩

Ushijima who has a girlfriend who likes to be slapped. Ushijima who doesn’t want to hurt his girlfriend. His girlfriend who INSISTS it’s okay and he won’t. Ushijima who doesn’t slap hard at first because he’s holding back, because he’s worried.

Ushijima who gets a little too into the sex one time and forgets to hold back as much as he usually does. Whose little girlfriend’s head swings to the side, her eyes widening in shock at the impact and tears springing to her eyes. Ushijima who immediately stops everything and is cradling her face gently, pressing soft kisses to the skin and apologizing profusely.

Ushijima who is in the process of vowing to never do it again when his girlfriend’s much smaller hand wraps around his. Ushijima who watches as she presses his palm back to her now burning cheek, looking up at him so sweetly with tears leaking out of her eyes and asks “do it ‘gain Toshi?” through little hiccups. Ushijima who now realizes that his tiny little girlfriend who is barely half his size, his angel little girlfriend who is already doing so much struggling to have all of him stuffed inside of her, his perfect little girl who has tears wetting her cheeks, is begging for him to hit her that hard again.

Ushijima who listens when his perfect little girl claims “I can take it” and stops holding back. Ushijima who will keep his baby’s head in place so she doesn’t hurt herself when her head turns when he slaps her. Ushijima who doesn’t use all his spiking force but definitely leaves pretty little bruises across her pretty face, bruises she cherishes and begs for crying for him to leave a mark. Ushijima who gets off a little on his precious girl’s tears when she’s going dumb stuffed full of him when her begging for marks from his hands turns into cries that she can’t take it anymore. Ushijima who knows that’s a lie because I’m just a few more seconds she’ll be contradicting herself again asking for more. Ushijima who’s slowly mastering the art of smacking her when she says she can’t take it anymore when he can feel her right on the verge of cumming all sweet over him again, of leaning down and whispering “don’t lie to me. You were talking all big saying how you could take it.” in a rough voice before softening it and pressing a soft kiss from her cheek and saying “you can take it right? be my good little girl and take what I give you.”

Ushijima whose tiny perfect little girl breaks him down until he loves seeing his handprint bruised into her cheek and throat, his fingerprints bruised into her thighs and hips, her chest and shoulders covered his hickies, his marks littering her body, as she falls apart over and over for him, cute little tears running down her face as she begs him for more.

GOODBYE I AM UNWELL THAT WAS SO LONG IM SORRY BUT I AM THINKING THOUGHTS AND I NEED THIS SO BAD

rae's notes: i am catching up on old themed day submissions! the themed days are still on hiatus until September 11th!

KAZE, I RE-READ THIS AND NOW I CAN'T LIKE... I STILL CAN'T ADD ANYTHING ON TO IT, BECAUSE IT STILL BROKE MY BRAIN AFTER ALL THESE DAYS FHDAJFHLASDJFLASD.

IT'S THE... IT'S THE LITTLE HICCUPS AND THE "do it 'gain, toshi?" FOR MEEEE. BECAUSE HE WOULD FEEL SO BAD HE HURT YOU, AND HIS BRAIN WOULD BE OUT FOR 10 TO 18 BUSINESS DAYS BEING LIKE "Wait... she wants me to do it like THAT!?" toshi, slap me hard, i can take it, i'm a big girl, i promise i want you to do it like that

It's the fact that like the part where he's going "Don't lie to me. You were talking all big saying how you could take it." AND THEN HE SWITCHES??? HE SWITCHES TO BEING ALL SOFT LIKE IMMEDIATELY GOING "You can take it, right? Be my good little girl and take what I give you?" LIKE!!!!!!! THAT'S HIM!!!!!!! HE WOULD ABSOLUTELY GET OFF ON BEING DEGRADING TO YOU AND THEN IMMEDIATELY FUCKING PRAISING YOU RIGHT AFTER.

Big Man gets off on the size kink, on the tears, on your dedication to making sure you take all of him!!!!!! He works hard and he plays hard too!!!! He's doing his research, he indulges you in every kink you wanna try and realizes that he has a lot of the same ones along the way!!!! FSDHFJAHLFKJSHFLJKSA

AND HOW HE!!!!!!!! HOW HE HOLDS HER HEAD TO MAKE SURE HE DOESN'T HURT HER MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IM FERAL, BRO!!!!!

[horrorisunknowntoyou]

Lullabies

Based off @rae-writes smp Parental smp series , so please please look at their account and fics. Most importantly I give them credit for the parental thing so please check them out their wonderful being. Also your like a very young child and I put irl songs besides there names.  I hope you enjoy 

Dream smp parents x gn child (lullaby) 

DREAM - you are my sunshine 

You would have a really hard time going to sleep because how anxious you’ll Get over your father as he’ll get busy with work. George and Sapnap tried there best to help but nothing was working they tried giving you a bottle , plushes anything but no budge. You eventually started to cry which alerted Dream who was working on maps and the next plan against l’manberg. He finally decided to take a break and head over to your room as the two left the room. Dream gently lit up a candle and picked you up cradling you in his arms the soft bright green fabric around you. He sat in the rocking chair , gently rocking you and softly singing , comforting best he can, until you stop crying and fall asleep in his arms. Once you fall asleep he didn’t realized how tired he was and fell asleep in the chair holding you protectively in his arms. George and Sapnap later found out and took pictures of it as it was too cute not too.

QUACKITY - (along with Sapnap and Karl) recuèrdame 

It’s quite chaotic having three parental figures but to them you were there pride and joy. However you were sick and wasn’t feeling so good which worried all of them , especially seeing you have a hard time falling asleep and it was hurting their own sleep. ““Guys I’m really worried “ Sap says looking at others as Karl gave y/n medicine in there crib exhausted . Then quackity has a idea , walking out the room grabbing his guitar and walks back in y/n’s room. “  Guys, I have an idea maybe singing a song might help.” Karl perks up at the idea and nods ““that’s a good idea.” Quackity sat down on a chair beside the crib as they lowered the lights softly singing the song in Spanish. Karl and sapnap noticed it tiring you out and quietly hi five each other as you fall asleep much to the relief of all three of them. 

RANBOO - once upon a december

““Mate, have you tried giving them a pacifier or like song to calm down?” Ranboo perked and never thought of that . He thanked Phil and rushed off back home and sit on his bed , pulling y/n out the carrier. And hold them in his arms gently holding them and softly singing a song. Until sleepy enough he gently puts them in crib and left worked on his panic room. 

Ranboo was very new to the whole parenting thing and was pretty anxious of it all , he knew it was a lot of responsibility. And he wasn’t the best person to do this but you were his he couldn’t ditch you. He was getting used to it all, Philza would help him and give him tips and such considering he raised 3 boys. One day ranboo was doing some errands with y/n and being really fussy and not calming down no matter what he tried , he eventually ask Philza what to do. 

TECHNOBLADE - you will be okay

Having a new baby was difficult since he already have 3 rowdy boys , Tommy was proud he can be the big brother as he loudly proclaimed it. Techno was excited but wasn’t so hectic about it , and Wilbur was gushing over the new sibling. The boys surround Phil as he sat down holding the new baby wrapped in a bird theme blanket. “ Now, now I’m much as excited as you are boys over the new baby okay, but just becareful alright? “ Phil exclaimed as they sat down beside him the baby moving lightly. “ Sure thing big man! “ Wilbur perked up “ We’ll help you! Right techno?” The pink hair nodded in agreement wanting to read them Greek mythology when a toddler. “ well can you make dinner as I handle this for me?” Phil asked worried. The three boys nodded and rushed off as Phil stood up smiling softly singing to baby as he walked to their nursery. 

Being the child of ‘the blade’ has it perks and downs but the loud winds of the blizzard against the window was scaring you a lot and just being fussy and whimpering. Which obviously alerted techno who was brewing potions and quickly walked into his room with your crib beside his bed. He sighs in relief and gently picked you up in his rough big hands , so tiny and fragile in his arms, slowly walking downstairs. Sitting in his scarlet chair beside the fire gently rocking them softing singing to them. He gently fixed the baby blanket around them and kept them close to his chest to hear his heart beat. Once you were asleep he finally relaxes into his chair still holding onto you as he rest. He gently messes with your pink hair,“Sleep well my princess/prince.” 

PHILZA - (SBI) dellas moon lullaby

JSCHLATT - youll be in my heart

Who thought the con/business man himself have kids? Surely not? Well infact he does he has two along side tubbo he has y/n who he cares for deeply. He doesnt show them off out of fear and just for there safety. He isnt the best dad and he knows , he drinks and gambles which is a no, having to ask phil to give him some advice etc. But even so with his tough exterior and asshole attitude he deeply cares for his little rams as he sings them to sleep. Kissing them ontop on their heads goodnight.

WILBUR - everything stays

When fundy was still a toddler , he didn’t expect to have anymore children well he was wrong. He now had a new baby along his country and toddler son. It was very stressful but seeing how happy fundy to have a sibling made him happy. He would spend his free time tuning his guitar with a rocker and fundy playing with blocks as he plays songs for his children. It helps a lot with nap time as it calms them down and gets them sleepy. But they were so cute he couldn’t complain about it sadly Tommy has rushed in with no warning yelling startling both awake crying....not fun times...

[justanotherteentitansblog]

Poolside bbraeweek21 day 2

(So this fic is actually based on my headcannons for BB and Rae’s Future kids, Phoenix and Mavis. Phoenix is 6 in this and Mavis is about 1 ½ I have another fic during this week that features them but background info Phoenix has her dad’s powers and Mavis has her moms but Mavis has cuffs on her wrists that block them because a toddler with emotion based powers is a recipe for disaster. That should be everything you need to know before going in.) 

“MOOOOOM!” Phoenix complained as her mother was trying to get sunscreen everywhere her bathing suit didn’t cover. 

Raven continued despite her older daughter's protests, “Oh, I’m so sorry I don’t want you to get sunburnt. I’m the worst mom in the world, they should throw me in jail.” 

“Can I even get sunburnt?” 

Raven paused, that was actually a good question. She’d have to ask her husband about that one later. “Do you really wanna find out?” 

“I wanna go play in the pool!” 

“And you will, if you can be patient for five minutes while I get the rest of this on you.” 

Phoenix huffed but complied as her mom finished applying sunscreen to her emerald skin. 

“Go, but no morphing into salt water animals, just because I know CPR does not mean I want to use it.” 

“Ok!” Phoenix shouted behind her as she ran into the Titans tower pool diving in feet first spraying droplets of water on her mother. 

Just then, the door to the roof slammed open and Gar appeared carrying Mavis over his shoulder in a fireman’s carry. 

“Why is it that trying to put my children in bathing suits is like trying to wrestle baby alligators?” he grumbled before Mavis kicked him in the face with a jelly shoe. 

“At least Phoenix can dress herself now,” Raven replied. 

“Ok, Rae” Gar said, handing her a wiggling giggling Mavis, “You can do this, I believe in you!” 

“I’m going to need more than your belief Gar, I’m going to need a miracle.” Raven said, placing the girl in her lap as she squeezed sunscreen into her palm. 

Raven attempted to work quickly before Mavis could realize what she was doing but it was too late. Mavis immediately threw her head back and arched her back as far as it could go to get away from her mother. She kicked and screeched and bit at her mother in an attempt to get away from her and the sunscreen. Succeeding only twice as Mavis was like a greased up pig at this point. Eventually Gar had to step in and hold his screaming child down while Raven rubbed the rest of the sunscreen into her skin, all whilst Mavis was screeching at the torture she was being made to suffer. 

Finally finished with her work, Raven and Gar let Mavis go while she ran and threw herself down next to the pool, now able to throw a proper tantrum. 

Door to the roof opened again revealing the rest of the former team along with the new titans as they filed out. 

Cyborg stood at the door, hands on his hips glaring at the couple, “Yo what did you two do to my baby!” A long time ago this sentence would’ve meant the T Car but now exclusively meant Mavis whomst Vic had a huge soft spot for. 

“We dared to put sunscreen on her.” Raven deadpanned. 

Vic picked up the crying child and held her to his chest shielding her away from her parents, “Well don’t do it again,” he narrowed his eyes at the empath. 

“Yeah Raven, how could you?” Gar added in sarcastically moving to retrieve his child from his best friend before she could push any buttons on him and blow everyone up. 

Kori softly chuckled at her friends' interactions as she approached with Mar’i in her own arms. 

“Raven, would you like me to watch over the little ones so you can have some time to yourself?” 

Raven stood stunned for a moment, alone time was a rare treat and one she didn’t take lightly since having children and here Kori was offering it up like it was nothing. She could cry, she could’ve kissed Kori at that moment! 

Gar was more hesitant however, “Are you sure, Star? Mavis is a handfu-”. 

“Thank you so much Kori!” Raven interrupted shooting her husband a dirty look. HIs overprotectiveness was NOT about to ruin this rare opportunity for her. 

Gar sighed but handed over Mavis to his friend and threw himself in the pool identically to the way Phoenix did spraying Raven with more water this time. Raven didn’t care though as she had already started lounging in a chair near the poolside with a book she kept in her bag just in case a rare opportunity like this occurred. 

Gar swam over to Phoenix who was at this point testing out different freshwater fish she could turn into whilst doing laps. Upon seeing her Dad she morphed back into a girl and swam to meet him. “Dad! Dad! Look what I just figured out!” she shouted before morphing into an green lizard-like creature with fuzzy antennae on the sides of her face.  

“Good work Nix, and that is called an….” 

She morphed back into a child to answer, “Axolotl, a freshwater anphi, anphoebe, ambphibi,” 

“Amphibian” Gar chuckled out. 

“Yeah that one, and it comes from mexico.” 

“You got it kid!” he said, giving the girl a high five. 

Much to her delight her Dad then picked her up and threw her over his shoulder into the water. Phoenix emerged from the water, squealing “Do it again!” and he complied, throwing his child again and again as she cackled at their little game. 

As much fun as Gar was having as well, he knew something was missing and that something was his wife. He knew how much her alone time meant to her, but with having the kids the time he had with just Raven was far and few between. 

Phoenix swam back over to her Dad to get thrown again when he grabbed her up and whispered in her ear, “Hey Nixie, ask Mom to come in with us.” 

Phoenix looked over at her mother fully engrossed in her reading at the poolside. “Mom doesn’t want to get in the pool” 

Gar rolled his eyes “I know but she’s more likely to say yes to you than me.” 

Phoenix regarded her mother lounging again, Phoenix really wanted to get ice cream after the pool and she knew that was more likely to happen if her mother was in a good mood and reading definitely put her in a good mood. 

“No.” she said, staring at her Dad straight in the eyes. 

Gar narrowed his eyes at Phoenix and threw her over his shoulder again but with less mirth this time. 

Gar swam to the edge of the pool near Raven gave her his best puppy dog eyes, “Hey Ra-” 

“No.” she said without looking up. 

“Come on! I just want to have fun with you!” he complained. 

Raven tore her eyes away from the book in her hand to glare at her husband, “Who stays home with the kids?” 

Gar sighed at the familiar argument he always lost, “You do.” 

“And when you’re on set, you get breaks right?” 

“Yes” 

“Do I ever get a break from being the mom?” 

“No” 

“So when I get a get a rare break, I’m going to enjoy it to the fullest, Gar” 

Gar pouted and looked up at his wife, “but I miss you.” 

Raven sighed and grumbled something to herself about him being as bad as the kids. “I promise we can do something together after the kids go to bed, but right now I really just want to read my book.” 

Gar's ears drooped but he resigned, “Ok, enjoy your book Rae.” 

“Thank you, I appreciate it,” Raven smiled. 

Gar offered a half smile, still disappointed but deciding it was best to give her space. 

 Meanwhile Kori was sitting with Mavis and Mar’i on a beach towel while the girls were playing with toys. Mar’i was trying to wrestle the plastic elephant out of Mavis' hands whilst Mavis kicked and screamed at the other toddler. 

“No, no, please girls no more fighting,” Kori implored the children. 

The two girls had done nothing but fight since Kori had brought them over and she was at her wits end. She hadn’t truly understood what Garfield had meant by Mavis was a handful until this moment. 

Mar’i had finally ripped the toy out of Mavis’s hands and threw it into the deep end of the pool. Mavis, outraged, bit the half tameranian on the arm leaving deep teeth marks. 

Kori was shocked and scolded Mavis whilst running to get the neosporin for Mar’i. 

Mavis took this as her opportunity to go retrieve her elephant and waddled her way over to the pool's edge. 

Gar was throwing a beach ball back and forth with Phoenix when he saw something that made his blood run cold. Time stood still as he watched his youngest daughter trip over the edge of the pool and begin to fall in. He couldn’t move. He couldn’t breathe, all he could do was panic as he watched her tiny body disappear into the deep end. 

“MAVIS NO!” he screamed, willing the inevitable to stop. 

Raven’s eyes tore away from her book and it was discarded in an instant as she sprinted to where her daughter had fallen in jumping in without a moment’s hesitation. Mavis had barely been in the water for a few minutes before rising to the top, struggling and splashing to keep herself afloat as Raven snatched her up and breathed a sigh of relief that she came back up quickly and didn’t try to inhale water. 

Raven clutched a sobbing Mavis to her chest, shaking and attempting to stop herself from thinking about what could’ve happened. Gar swam over to examine the pair and make sure everyone was ok before hugging them both. Phoenix swam over as an axolotl to the deep end and cocked her head to the side in silent questioning at her mother. 

“Everyone’s ok Nix. Thank you.” Raven replied, finally calming down at the same time as Mavis. 

Gar smiled at Raven and then began to chuckle. 

Raven narrowed her eyes at her husband, “I fail to see the humor in this situation Garfield!” 

“Good Job, Mavis. You somehow got your mom in the pool!” he said through his laughter. 

Raven’s eyes glowed with black magic as she sent a tidal wave crashing over her husband whilst holding both of her girls to her. 

[lila-rae]

Hey Lila-Rae, I love your pregnancy updates. We’re very fortunate you’ve decided to share such an intimate aspect of your life with us (even with the anonymity of tumblr). I was hoping you could share like a thing or two you’ve discovered during your pregnancies or being a mum in general which you would’ve loved to have known before?

Aww Thanks. During pregnancies I’ve pretty much just been amazed by the human body. Also growing a human is a lot of work, it’s why you’re constantly tired, so it’s okay to ask for help with things you may think you should be able to do but just don’t feel like you can. Also advocate medically for yourself or have your partner do it if you can’t.

As for motherhood, it’s the hardest most rewarding job I have ever done. There will be nights or days when you cry because you feel like you’re doing everything wrong, but then this tiny human can toddler up to you and reach their hands up for you to pick them up and it’s just the sweetest feeling knowing they only want you.

I’ve also really learned to stop comparing myself to other moms/parents. Your parenting journey is unique and you should treat it as such. I know even just being with my sibling in laws and seeing them with their kids last week, it’s so easy to compare styles/kids behavior, but it does way more harm than good to focus on that.

On the more practical side: car seats save lives (RF as long as possible), a fed baby is best, baby wearing especially in the 4th trimester is a life saver and promotes bonding, don’t buy the baby pajamas with buttons or snaps (Zippers for life!)

[caxsthetic]

It's the 31st of December now in my place, and I would love to write a little love and gratitude to all the new people that I met in 2020.

So, I am gonna start,

↪Dear, @aikk00​

Honestly I never thought that we could be so close. You are such a kind soul, adorable and really loveable! I love how stupid the things we talk about, mostly about how superior eggs is and our little promises that we are going to meet up someday and I will cook all variant of eggs that you want! I hope amidst all things, we could do that (: I love you so much, Claire... Thank you for being a sunny egg to my uncooked egg💕 See you on a wonderful next year, baby!

↪Dear, @layschipsyumm​

HA! BISH! Bet you are still falling asleep rn cjdndnd okay, my favourite Suna fuckers, I love you so much you cutie subby💋 Maybe the best thing I did in this year to slide into your DM and say how fucking good your colouring is and just wow... From just a simple hello turn into a random convo mostly us thirsting about our man... Thank you Tat my luv! Hope u have a wonderful year ahead!

↪Dear, @godjo​

Cher 🥺 Hey, hey... Ugh gosh I still remember how everything started with just me crying over how beautiful your work is... It's smut? I shouldn't have cried? But goddamn it the more we talk the more we found a lot in common between us and talking to you just feels so right! You are so kind and so fun to talk with... I am glad I know you 🥰 Wishing you a great great 2021!!!

↪Dear, @dearest-kiyoomi​

HELLO MY LOVE, gaahhh, still remember when you are a Sakusa fucker only and now look at you being a Samu fucker too mwah I am so proud of you 🤩 Anyway, I love you so much and thank you for hearing me rant and being so melancholic... And thank you so much for being my proofreader, you helped me a lottaa lotss! Hope you have a great holiday and wonderful year!

↪Dear, @mamori-tai​

Baby hello hi! Thank you so much for being such a dear friend 😍 I always love how you comment through my works... Especially Solemn Promise, it was a work that I really hold dear in my heart because well, it's Kita Shinsuke and the topic is well— ANYWAY, thank you so much for being there! You are so fun to talk to, and I hope next year would be a wonderful one for you!

↪Dear, @just-a-tiny-ghost​

Hey, baby... Honestly you are one of the people that I really love having a message from... You always ramble about how good and positive the people around you, all cute stories about you and your friends, I really love to hear that... And thank you so much for hearing me too! Wishing you a wonderful holiday, bby! Mwah💋

↪Dear, @blacckdiamondposts​

CELINE MY LOVE MY EVERYTHING MY SUPPORT SINCE DAY ONE 😭 Hey bub how are you? I really hope that you are having fun, surrounded by people who love you and you love hehehe. I don't know what I would do without you, really. You are so supportive and listen to all my ramble about my story. I love you so much and I wish you a great holiday!!

↪Dear, @muffins-puffins​

Shafff Shaafff, u are someone who really lovely to talk to💕 Every time I need to talk about Haikyuu, I just know who I am going to... I love how you respect my choice for not shipping characters and things! And like always know the words that could calm me down when I am emotional. I wuff you so much, thank you for being here for me! Have a great holiday!

↪Dear, @mrs-kuroojinguji​

Ana, ana oh Ana😭 I don't know how to start honestly. I remember the first time we talk is because I post that editing of Kita pic about how I want to "rabi" him xjdnksks bye! But for real, since then you have been so supportive, listening to me rambles, and being such a dear friend🥺 The chocolate fudge is so fucking good btw and well— I really hope that we could meet up since well we are from a same city sjxnsnms lovee u so much my crazy baby Miss Sawamura!

↪Dear, @flairlust​

Aaahhh I am so, thankful to you! You have been here for a long long time. Supporting me on everything! Either my writing or my merch, sliding to my ask here and there to ask how am I doing. You are so sweet and so kind I love you so much I hope you have a great year and a wonderful holiday🥳🥳🥳 Luvv uu so much and thank you once again for everything!

↪Dear, @kkoalaworld​

↪Dear, @kuro0luvr​

Hey, hello... My god, you are so so kind so good I don't know how to start you always hype me up and overall a great friend to me😭 Since that time I am in the lowest point of my life, you help me through it with a lot of things... Honestly, thank you so much, I don't know how to repay your kindness... But I love you, for real I am grateful to meet you...

↪Dear, @bjbex

HA, MY GOD, ALL OF YOUR WORK ARE JUST CHEF KISS MWAH baby I love you so much and like honestly talking to you is so fun and I always end up cackling nonstop when we started to talk shit😭 You are always so kind and like when I am down you lit ask and being serious dnskmsms you just know when to have fun and when to show that you care and honestly I love you so much for that, Bex... Thankk you for hearing me out most of the time, wishing you a good year ahead!

NAO aaaa honestly, you are like one of the bestest friend ever that I ever meet here. You always listen to me when I am feeling down, trying to provide me with some reassurance... You are one of the people that I trust enough to actually talk about my mental health... And I am so grateful that God give me a chance to meet you... You are angel to me, and I hope it last for a long time... Love you, Nao... Have a great year!

↪Dear, @t-amajiki​

Gere my God, you are like the start of it all. You are the demigod, you are the one who creates a good server filled with so many wonderful people that everyone I could be so proud to call as my friend. Through you, I found what is it to feel cared, to be loved, to know that some people try to be always there. I am so thankful to God that I met you, and I hope you have a wonderful year next because you really, really deserve a good life.

↪Dear, @lnarizakis​

Heyy Twinn, eheheh hello how are you👉👈 I want to say thank you so much for ever being there! I love when we talk non stop about our dear twins, and talking to you always been so fun! You are such a supportive hooman being and I love how we are now become a twin xjsndnsmsn it's stupid but it's cute eheh... Thank you once again for everything, and I hope you have a great year upon you💕

↪Dear, @tokyoghoose​

Hello, my wife. My mickie, you are so so kind to everyone around you, honestly I wonder what kind of saint am I on my previous life that God allow me to meet you. You are so lovely, always reaching out to me constantly as if you know exactly when I am at the lowest... I am so happy that I met you, and I hope that someday I could meet you in real life. Thank you so much, Mickie, for everything. May you have a beautiful year in 2021 and so on💕

↪Dear, @himichii​

Heyy babyy, how are you? Gahh, you know you are such a cool person, right? Like your words and your work too is so amazing! Aside from all of that, you are a good friend too and I am so thankful that I know you. Thank you for asking me sometimes when I am suddenly like, you know, gone ahahah so thank you really. I appreciate it all🥰 Hope you have such a good year upon you, baby!

↪Dear, @ravscrii​

Rae, Raven aaaa I love you so much you know how to boost my mood with sending me lots of funny haikyuu meme and godwork of Haikyuu fanart (especially inarizaki you know me so well my goodness) Thank you so much for always asking me if I am okay and such, it was a simple gesture that I really appreciate. Love you so much, wishing you a wonderful year ahead of you💕

↪Dear, @macaronnv​

Vvvvv heyy you my favourite Sakusa fucker🥳 We have a same timezone aight but well let me just tell you Happy New Year!! Thank you so much for listening to me ramble about inarizaki, to hype with me, and to be a good friend. Hopefully, someday we could meet up🥺 I love you, have a wonderful holiday, okay?

↪Dear, @ch4jime

Hello, sweetie🥺 You have been nothing but kind to me and I am so thankful that I know you. You are so fun to talk to and always reaching out when you know somehow I need company. Thank you so much for wanting to befriend, to talk to me. I wish you have a wonderful year ahead, and so on. You deserve all the good things in life!

↪Dear, @lcaita

Heyyo👉👈 I know that we didn't talk a lot. But honestly I love how you are always greeting me when I pop out on the server. Like I come out of the blue and you just "Eyceee" and honestly it feels so welcoming. Just a simple gesture yet it's really impactful. Hey, thank you so much for everything, really. I love you so much and I hope you know I will try to do the same, to be a better friend to you. May you have a wonderful year ahead💕

↪Dear, @evermorehaikyuu​

IVY sht, you are like... Everything everything. You are literally one of the kindest person I ever met. I really want to meet you, you are someone that I could call as a best friend, and I am so thankful that I ever met you (": You are always so patient listening to me, even after all this time you are always there for me. Reminding me that I am not alone. I love you so much you don't know it... I wish you the best life, you smart hooman💕

↪Dear, @http-cookiescrumbs​

Oh baby, you are like, wow. You are so pure and like always so positive when it comes to friendship. Since I know you, you always know how to make me feel happy, always bringing such positivity to your environtment. And I really love that, I love how much caring you are to your friend. Thank you for staying in my life, you are always, always be a friend that I hold dear in my heart. Have a great year ahead, my dear🥰

↪Dear, @kenmasbb​

Hello baby hi hehehe I know we just talk for a few times but honestly talking to you is so fun! I hope we would talk a lot, because honestly from what I see so far you are such a sweetheart🥺 Thank you for hearing all of my thirst towards my husband, thank you for being patience to me xjdndjdk... I wuff uu so much, baby... I hope you have a wonderful year ahead! Have a beautiful holiday🥳 Stay safe!

↪Dear, @sugusho

Baby baby hello I remember when we start talking it was like, aahhh... Hello you are always be my sweet pea🥺 You are always so caring and so kind to me I love you so much... Hopefully we will always stay in contact. And now with how we kinda have the same man we like, hmmmm😼 I think we would stay in touch anyway... Thank you so much for being such a dear friend to me... I hope you are having a wonderful year, and a beautiful holiday!

↪Dear, Samantha, Tea, Oli, Miyu...

I don't know if you see this or not. But honestly, the best time of my life is when I meet you all. Talking to you all, I am a shit that time and to befriend you guys is like the greatest gift that happen to me (": Thank you, for everything basically. I love you guys so much... And I hope each of you have the best life because you guys deserve only good things and happiness...

↪Dear, Reena...

Oh you are one of the best thing in life. You are there since like, since I was nothing. Like I think I was like, only post my SMAU I think? It was like 9 months ago. And you are one of those who believe in me that I can do it. I can keep improving, hyping me up and always so kind to me. We are like thousands km apart but I hope someday I can meet you. I love you so much, Ree... Thank you for being there, and I am so grateful we still in contact💕 Hope you have a wonderful year ahead

[lilacyennefer]

the journey of a lifetime part ll

A/N: A lots of you asked for a fluffy Raymond, and some of you asked family time Raymond, so I combined the two in one fic and made a sequel for one of my stories. I hope you guys enjoy it!! Also, you can find part 1 on my masterlist, AND requests are open.

TW: none, it’s pure fluff

Summary: Raymond and your son bakes a cake for your birthday, and they surprise you with the sweetest gift. 

You’re sitting in the kitchen watching your 3 years old son and his father, Raymond measuring all the ingredients for your birthday cake. 

It started in the morning, you woke up to a tiny hand on your face and you felt a sloppy kiss on your cheeks. Even before you opened your eyes you knew it was your son waking you up. 

“Happy birthday mommy!” He said in his sweet little voice. 

“Hi baby.” You smile at him and wrap your arms around him, pulling him into a hug. 

“Daddy and I made you breakfast.” He mutters against your shoulder where he rests his head.

“Is that so?” You kiss your son’s head.

“Yes.” You hear Ray say as he steps into your bedroom, a tray in his hands packed with food what you don’t quite know what is yet. You sit up in the bed, your son next to you as Ray places the tray on your lap. 

“Good morning.” Ray gives you a soft kiss on your lips “and happy birthday.” He smiles at you. 

“Thank you, love.” You smile back at him and look down to the tray, you see your favourite breakfast in front of you, some sliced fruit, and apple juice. 

“What would you like to do today?” Ray asks you as he sat down on the bed. You swallow down the piece of food what you were chewing before you answer. 

“I just want to spend the day with my favourite boys!” You answer as you take a piece of fruit from your plate and give it to your son who takes it gratefully. 

Ray nods with a small smile on his face. “Alright. If that’s what you want.” 

After breakfast Ray realised that he didn’t buy a cake for you, so he wanted to slip out of the house to buy you one, but you caught him before slipping out. You asked him what he’s up to, and he sheepishly answered that he forgot the cake. You just shrugged and said that you can make your own.

“There’s no way I’m gonna let you bake your own cake.” Raymond said firmly. 

“I’ll make it.” He says and you see his face light up. 

“You?” You ask him in disbelief. “You gonna bake a cake?” 

“I just have to follow a recipe. It’s easy.”  It’s Ray’s turn now to shrug. You blink a few times and say “Okay.” uncertainly. 

So this is how your baby and your husband ended up in the kitchen. Ray is wearing a simple white shirt and a grey sweatpants, something you rarely see him in, and your little one is wearing his onesie. He’s standing on a small chair next to Ray, excitedly helping his father with everything he can. Ray never leaves his side and he always looks out for him, in case he loses his balance Ray can catch him anytime. Ray looked for a recipe online, asking which one you’d like. You finally decided one what you liked, and thankfully you had everything at home what you needed. 

You promised to keep the distance from them, but you still sit at the kitchen island, watching them bake your cake. You laugh when you see your son sneak a piece of chocolate into his mouth without Ray noticing. He gives you a cheeky look and puts his tiny finger in front of his mouth, signaling you to be quiet. Your son is only 3 years old, but he’s already really cheeky, something he learned from both you and Ray.

“Done.” Ray says as he closes the oven after putting the cake in it to bake. “It wasn’t that hard.”

“It’s not quite done yet, but I’m impressed so far.” you reply and kiss him lightly. You feel a little hand tugging your pants, and you look down to your son.

“Can we eat the cake?” Ray lifts him up so he’s at your height. You take his little hand into yours, playing with his tiny fingers.

“Soon, baby.” you reply “You first need to decorate it when it’s ready.”

“Can I draw on the cake?” you see his little face light up.

“Yes, you can.” you smile at him sweetly, and Ray kisses his cheeks. 

Ray and your son made an even bigger mess in your kitchen while decorating your cake, than before while they were putting it together. By the end, both of them were covered in cream, and everything else they decorated the cake with, you even see a piece decoration in Ray’s beard. They placed some candles on the cake and lit them, and they started singing ‘happy birthday’ to you as they were slowly walking towards you. You feel tears filling your eyes and you quickly wipe them before they place the cake in front of you. The decoration is messy, but you love it since your boys are made it with love. 

“Make a wish.” Ray smiles at you, and you think of something before you blow the candles. 

“It’s beautiful, thank you.” Ray places another kiss on your mouth, then you take your son to sit on your lap. Ray carefully cuts the cake and places it in front of you. You take your fork and take a small piece of the cake and hold it to your son, he bites the cake without hesitation, and he makes a sound when he starts eating the cake.

“Is it good?” you ask smiling, and he nods vigorously. You take another small piece and this time you feed yourself with the cake. You’re actually surprised at how delicious the cake is.

“This is really good.” you say “I’m actually impressed.”

“See? I told you I can bake a cake.” Ray answers.

“We.” your son corrects him while taking another bite from the cake, but this time he didn’t care to use a fork, he simply used his hand. You snicker at the view, and Ray is watching him with raised eyebrows and a smile on his face.

“That’s true. We baked the cake.” Ray agrees. You silently keep eating your cake, all three of you just enjoying the moment. 

When you’re done, Ray still has that piece of decoration in his beard, so you reach your hand to get it out. Ray looks down at the plate where you put that piece and he raises his eyebrows.

“How long have I had that in my beard?”

“Since you started decorating.” you smirk. 

“You let me walk around with cake decor in my beard for that long?”

You shrug “You looked cute with it.”

“Daddy.” you hear your 3 years old whisper as he’s still sitting in your lap “The gifts.”

“Right, buddy.” Ray stands up and reaches for your son, he lifts him up and leaves you in the kitchen. After a few minutes they walk back, Ray has a gift bag in his hand, your son has a paper in his hands. Ray puts your son down in front of you and he’s happily gives you the drawing he did for you. You feel tears in your eyes again as you take the drawing from him, you hug him closely and kiss his little face as you thank him. He crawls back into your lap, and it’s Ray’s turn now to give you his gift. 

“I know you said you don’t need anything because you have everything you wanted.” He starts, it’s true, you really told him this “But I found something what I think you’ll love.”  He leans down to kiss you, he whispers “Happy birthday, my love.” and he hands you the gift bag. You take it from him and look inside, you see a small jewelry box what you take out from the bag. The box is beautiful blue velvet, and before you open it you look up at Ray who’s nervously watching you. You open the velvet box, and you see a beautiful golden necklace in it with a heart pendant on it. 

“This is beautiful.” you whisper.

“Mommy, open it.” your son says before Ray can, and you carefully open the heart pendant to see a small photo of the three of you inside. You can’t stop the tears falling from your eyes as you look at your gift. 

“Mommy, why are you crying?” your son turns towards you, worried.

“I’m just really happy, baby.” you tell him. You look up at Ray and say “This is perfect, thank you so much!” 

“I’m glad you like it.” he says and he squats down so he’s face to face with you and your son “And thank you, little one, for being so good at keeping this secret.” 

“Are you already teaching our son how to keep secrets from us?” you tease Ray.

“It’s not like that.” he says sheepishly “I told him it’s only okay to keep secrets when it comes to gifts.” You feel your son nod vigorously. 

“That’s fair.” you smile. “Can you please put this on for me?” you held the necklace to Ray. He nods and stands up to put your necklace on.

“You look beautiful with it.” Raymond says when he pulls away from you.

“You look beautiful, mommy.” your son says.

“Thank you, baby.” you kiss his head sweetly. 

You spent the rest of your birthday with your husband and your little son.

Tag list: @innerpaperexpertcloud @lady-evans @agirllovespasta @mheart27 @claudiahxrdy @oldstuffnewstuff @keithseabrook27 @alexa-rae-dreamz @minnicelli @woahitslucyylu 

[somedayonbroadway]

Hi, apparently, I like torturing myself, because I really wanna see the scene were Tony finds out Jack is his dad, not Snyder. Thanks in advance for wrecking me 😄

Inspired by ideas from the wonderful brain of @bitchiaintanonymous

Everything I Ever Wanted Masterlist

TW: Mentions of Abuse

“Jackie?”

It was late. Race knew he wasn’t supposed to be up now. It was strictly against the rules, but he couldn’t find it in himself to care.

Jack’s room was dark, just as it always was. Race had asked once why Jack lived down here, rather than the extra room his father had set up to be a study for him. He didn’t really understand. His Papà always said it wasn’t for him to understand. When he was little, he didn’t question it. He’d poke at the bruises on Jack’s arms when the man held him and ask where they came from. Jack was always really good at changing the subject.

The young man wasn’t here. Based on the yelling Race had heard earlier that night, he guessed that Jack was in the closet again.

He’d tried to ask his friend why he didn’t just leave, get another job where he was treated better. While Tyler knew his papà would never dare harm him, he knew that the old man didn’t necessarily play well with others. He knew his papà loved him, but Jack was an entirely different and odd story. Jack never had a good answer as to why he stayed. He always just said something to make Tyler laugh.

Jack was the closest thing to a friend that Race had. He hated watching his father smack the other man around, kick him, lock him in closets. It was like Jack was more a slave than a caretaker. He didn’t understand it.

Tonight though, his papà had seen fit to take Jack’s paints away from him. So naturally, Race had stolen them back for him.

But Jack wasn’t down here.

With a small sigh, Race walked over to Jack’s nightstand and set down the paints carefully. Glancing around at the walls, Race found small drawings and outlines penciled in. He ran a hand over them. Jack’s drawings always made him smile.

A slam from upstairs made him jump. He gasped, looking to the door that was closed up the stairs. He figured it was probably time to sneak back into his own room now, so he walked back around the bed only to catch his foot on something sticking out from beneath it.

When he landed chest first on the floor, he groaned. If he were more awake, it might’ve been easier to catch himself, but in the darkness so late into the night, he couldn’t find his balance. It didn’t matter. He rolled over, pushing himself up so that he could find whatever it was that he tripped on to make sure he hadn’t done any damage.

What he found was an unmarked, plain brown box.

Jack always told him that one day his curiosity would get him into trouble. He figured, why not today?

Glancing back up at the door, the boy reached down for the thing, finding that it was light and easy to carry. From the marks on the sides of the box, the kid could tell it was regularly opened and that just made him all the more eager to see what was inside.

He gently sat himself down on the edge of Jack’s bed, setting the box on his lap and pulling the lid off of it, dropping it onto the plain mattress beside him.

The second he caught sight of the contents, his need for more information only swelled in his mind.

On top lay a neatly folded, baby blue blanket about the size of the fourteen year old’s chest. He smiled at the soft thing, letting his fingers run across the fabric as he jumped to the simplest solution; this must be stuff from Jack’s childhood.

That was when the guilt really set in. He should not be going through Jack’s stuff. His butler already had enough problems without an annoying teenager rummaging through his personal belongings, so Race went to fold the thing back up and put it back when he made the mistake of glancing back down at the box. His heart stuttered in his chest when he saw the little picture that was staring back at him.

The thing was dark and pixelated, definitely older by the looks of the crinkled edges. It only took a moment for Race to realize it was a picture from an ultrasound. It was a picture of an unborn child.

On the back were words written in silver ink. 18 weeks.

Race bit his lip. Though he knew he should stop, something inside him told him that he couldn’t. Still, his mind reeled at what he was discovering.

Jack was a father.

Or he had been.

Maybe he’d lost the baby.

Race didn’t know. He should’ve waited. He should’ve asked Jack about it all, but he didn’t. He set aside the blanket and the picture and kept going, finding tiny, knit baby booties and a piece of paper with ink stamped footprints of a newborn child. There were sketches of a baby and familiar eyes and things a father wished he could do with his son everyday; hold his hand, hold him tight, keep him safe.

His heart throbbed. He knew Jack would never leave a child, especially his own. The only thing the boy could think was that this baby hadn’t made it.

Just as he might’ve actually put everything away, he looked down to find one more picture still sitting at the bottom of the box, torn at the upper right hand corner but still clear enough for Race to see the photograph.

There was Jack, sitting against the wall of a hospital room, a tiny baby in his arms. The thing looked so small, hardly big enough to be born on time. Jack looked so young. If Race had to guess, he’d say the man looked hardly older than himself, sixteen at the most. There was a clear bruise on his left cheek but it didn’t look like he cared. He was gazing down at the child against his chest like it was the most precious thing in the entire universe. He wasn’t smiling. He wasn’t laughing. He was crying, tears rolling down his cheeks as he looked down at the kid, their foreheads touching together as the baby slept. He held the baby so tenderly that Race wondered what it felt like, how safe that kid must’ve felt in that moment.

It wasn’t until Race turned the photo over in his hand that the entire world came to a screeching halt around him. The air rushed from his lungs and the box slid easily off of his lap down onto the floor, only one last piece of paper falling onto the floor.

December 11, 2002

Tyler James Kelly

My little angel, born two months too early and still not here soon enough.

Race grasped at his hair, trying to wake himself up. This was a dream, that’s all it was. He must’ve been sleeping.

But all of it felt too real.

“Oh my God…” the boy breathed, reaching a hand up to cover his mouth at the sight of the picture that he just couldn’t take his eyes off of.

He heard shouting coming from up the stairs. The boy flinched again, viciously reaching out for the box to try and gather everything back up and set them back where they belonged only to catch sight of another piece of paper falling to the ground. He reached for it, not wanting to know what it was but looking at it anyways, unable to stop himself at all.

It was a birth certificate.

Tyler James Kelly

Born December 11, 2002

to

James Francis Kelly

And

Amelia Rae Higgins

Tyler couldn’t breathe. Tears threatened to spill down his cheeks as his hands shook, unable to process the information fully in that moment.

It was like for a single moment the world made sense and now his brain was erupting into complete chaos.

But he couldn’t be frozen right now. Footsteps were coming down the stairs. He had to move. He had to get a grip.

He gasped, rubbing pathetically at his tears while trying to gently shove everything back right where he’d found it. By some miracle he was able to fumble with the lid to close the thing before shoving it back under the bed right as the door opened.

“You’re gonna pay for that, Kelly!”

“Kiss my ass, old man…” Jack muttered to himself rubbing at the back of his neck as he descended down into his bedroom. It wasn’t until he looked up that he found a very stunned, very upset looking teenager standing awkwardly beside his bed. “Racer, it’s almost one AM… what’re ya doin’ down here?”

Race let out a breath. Jack hadn’t noticed anything out of place. At least, not yet.

He managed a shrug and nodded shyly over to the tiny kit he’d left on the table in the corner. “I… I brought you your paints back…” he muttered, suddenly unsure how to talk to this man. He tried to remind himself that this was still Jack, it was still the man who he’d looked up to his whole life, but it just didn’t make any sense.

This man was his father.

“You shouldn’t be doin’ that, kid—“

“He shouldn’t a’ taken it… it’s yours.” There was something sharp in his tone. He hadn’t meant for it to be there. Looking up, he found Jack’s head cocking a bit as he shoved his hands in his pockets. His lip was split and his eye was swollen but he didn’t even seem to notice. “J—“ the boy cut himself off with a shake of his head, more confused than he’d ever been in his life. “Why do you let him treat you like that?”

Jack sighed, running a hand through his hair and walking over to his bed, flopping down onto as he glared up at the ceiling. “Why do you keep askin’ me that?”

“Because you never answer me!” Race argued, unable to keep the hurt out of his tone. “Why don’t you tell him ta back off n’ get outta this place?”

Rubbing at his good eye, Jack let out a bitter laugh. “Because I can’t, kid… it ain’t in the cards for me—“

“Why not?”

“Because it’s not!” Jack sat back up on his bed, seeing for the first time the tears on the boy’s cheeks. “Tyler, what’s wrong?”

Race glanced back down to the box beneath Jack’s bed. He quickly averted his gaze and shook his head. “Nothin’... just… nothin’...” he tried to convince not only the young man, but himself as well. “I just… goodnight.” He tried to rush from the room.

But Jack had always somehow been able to anticipate his next move. He was always quicker than him.

Jack grabbed his arm and pulled him back. “Wait just a minute, pal! J’st…” the man sighed again, finally just pulling Race into his chest.

The safest place in the world to Race.

Even with this new information, that hadn’t changed. In fact, it might be even more so than before.

That didn’t mean he wasn’t still angry.

“What happened ta you huggin’ me goodnight, huh?” Jack asked, trying to lighten the mood. It only made Race want to cry harder. He tried to take deep breaths to keep the sobs away.

The boy forced himself to wrap his arms around this man, his father, holding onto him tighter than he was sure he ever had before. Jack didn’t seem to mind. “Sorry…” the kid muttered into the man's shoulder.

A hand came down to pet his hair. Jack’s pressed a gentle kiss to his temple before pulling away. Suddenly, everything Jack did had an entirely new meaning. “Goodnight, Tyler James,” he smiled.

Normally, Race’s response would’ve been a quiet “Goodnight, Jackie,” but something just felt wrong about that now. So all he managed to squeak out was a small, “‘Night,” before he made his way towards the stairs, leaving the tired man standing confused in the middle of the basement.

Race’s legs weren’t moving fast enough as he ran up the stairs into his own bedroom. He managed to calm himself down for a millisecond to keep the door from slamming behind him before he slid down against it, trying to remember how to breathe. He curled up tight against himself. Stifling his sobs with his fist as he tried to figure out what the hell he’d just seen.

The last fourteen years of his life had been nothing but a lie.

There had to be some kind of big picture here, something he wasn’t seeing, something that would make everything make sense again but nothing did.

All he could see were those pictures, those drawings, that name.

Tyler James Kelly.

That was him. That was his name.

Tyler James Kelly.

Confusion didn’t even begin to describe what the child was feeling.

The boy bit down on his lip until it was bleeding. He couldn’t breathe.

“Oh my God…”

[corey-067]

Day Three - I’ve Waited for this

Setting: SWTOR AU Characters: Corey Black (The other one), Lana Beniko. CW: Pregnancy mentions, labor mentions.

Author's note: I don't know how to write a person giving birth without it being weirdly clinical, and I don't particularly want to focus the entire prompt on that aspect of things. I'd also much rather accept my lack of firsthand knowledge and skip over the details than put all of that into the writing and also potentially get it wrong.

Sensation and emotion surged through the bond Corey shared with Lana as he set his ship down, his typically smooth landing screeching across the deck plates. The vessel barely stopped before he was out of his chair, sprinting for the access ramp.

"Smooth landin', Corey. Real smooth." Korin's voice piped up over the ship's intercom. The Mandalorian chuckled, offering a universally eloquent hand gesture at the docking bay's observation window. Moments later, he was down the corridor, dodging and weaving through Alliance personnel as he made his way for the medical bay. He was determined not to miss this.

Sana-Rae narrowly stopped Corey crashing into a datapad-laden Admiral Aygo, and he called his breathless thanks over his shoulder. He slowed as he crossed the threshold of the Medbay, stepping quickly past the rows of Kolto tanks to the medical beds beyond. Corey ignored the med-droid; he didn't need directions when he could feel where he needed to go. He passed several curtained-off beds before removing his gauntlets as he slipped through to where his wife lay.

Immediately he slipped his fingers between hers as he knelt beside the bed, leaning down to kiss her. "I wasn't going to miss this, cyar'ika. Sorry it took so long to get here."

"It's okay, my love." Lana's golden eyes flared as she squeezed his hand tightly. "Speeder... traffic is frightful at this time of day."

Corey let out a little chuckle, and nodded to the med droid as it entered. "It is almost time." The droid informed them, moving forward. Lana rolled her eyes.

"You will warm your appendages this time, droid, or I'll scrap you where you stand." The Sith ground out.

"Quite," it responded mildly. "Please remember to breathe."

Corey didn't move from Lana's side throughout the process; the child seemed very ready to be born but was as stubborn as both parents. It took a little over an hour from the arrival of the droid, but for Lana, that time seemed to extend, timed only by the bouts of immense pain that grew closer together, until the child took the first breath of air into its powerful little lungs, letting out an immense, bawling cry on its very first exhale.

"Congratulations," The droid toweled the child, using its battery of sensors to ensure that it was healthy before wrapping it and passing it into Lana's outstretched hands. "You have a healthy baby girl."

Lana rocked the baby gently as she gazed down at her, and Corey kissed them both gently as he wrapped his arms around her. "I'd been waiting for this. Terrified of it, but in a good way," Corey smiled softly. "We never did decide on a name, did we?"

The baby began crying again, and the parents could both feel that need in the Force, and they reached out together with a sense of peace, despite everything else they were feeling at that moment. It calmed her somewhat, though not entirely.

"Kamia?" Lana asked, and abruptly the baby stopped crying.

The Mandalorian reached out and held one tiny hand between his index finger and thumb, a smile blossoming on his face. "Looks like she's chosen for us," He murmured gently. "Welcome to the galaxy, Kamia. We've been looking forward to meeting you."

[thefanficmonster]

Not Alone

Valkyrae (Rae) x Reader (Gender Neutral)

Warnings: Mention of death of a pet, Grieving

Genre: Fluff, Comfort, Angst

Summary: When Y/N doesn’t join the scheduled stream of Among Us with some cheap reasoning that everyone else falls for, Rae is far from convinced. She goes on to check the situation on her own just for her suspicions and worries to be confirmed further - something is off about Y/N and Rae is nothing if not determined to find out what.

Requested by @alex3atsbugs  Hello dear, consider this my farewell to the adorable little Marceline, I hope the cutie is looking down at us from heaven right now. Marceline, I might not have known you but I miss and love you regardless.  You have a special place in our hearts and you will never be forgotten. All my love, Vy ❤

“Ok so we’re only waiting on Lily now, right?“ Sykkuno asks, adjusting his earbuds as he scans over the settings for the game since he was the one to create the lobby which is now almost complete - lacking one more astronaut before the game can start.

Rae, who’s been scrolling through Instagram, looking at fanart and edits, snaps her head up to look at her computer monitor with confusion written all over her features, her brows furrowed, “Wait, what about Y/N? Aren’t they coming?”

This sudden change has surprised Rae more than someone would consider reasonable. But, in her eyes, it’s perfectly reasonable and justifiable considering Y/N has never skipped a stream nor have they ever not reported to her even for the tiniest of things such as running late. Even if they are not joining today, which is a huge oddity in and of itself, they would’ve definitely told Rae about it.

“Oh, no they won’t be joining us today. They said they were experiencing some technical troubles.” Sykkuno replies nonchalantly which aggravates Rae a tiny bit. She cannot comprehend how no one else is seeing anything odd here. Maybe it has something to do with how attentive she is when it comes to Y/N - she’s not sure why, but she is - or maybe it’s just a gut instinct but regardless, she can’t shake the feeling that something’s wrong. Not to mention that in all their years of streaming together on Twitch and now on YouTube never has Y/N dealt with technical difficulties that led to them not being able to stream. 

Y/N is the type of organized person that is constantly on top of things. They’d never let a technical difficulty get between them and providing their fans with entertainment. Chances are, if there really was an issue, it would’ve been fixed by now and even if it wasn’t...

Y/N would’ve let me know they wouldn’t be joining, Rae’s mind screams, almost altering her calm facial expression. 

“Hey can you give me about five minutes? My router’s acting up, I’ll restart it.“ Rae blurts out without as much as a second thought. Her thoughts are elsewhere right now, she’s got more important things to worry about. Luckily, her ability of rational thinking pushes through to the surface even without her guidance. 

She mutes her in-game and stream mics, takes her phone and rises from her chair, giving the camera what she hopes is a more apologetic rather than distressed smile before walking off-frame. Once out of view, she dials Y/N’s number, tapping her foot anxiously as she waits for her call to be picked up.

“Hello?“ When it does get answered, she’s met with a sniff before the weak voice utters the hesitant greeting word.

“Hey Y/N! What’s up?“ Rae tried to balance her question between a ‘what’s up?‘ in the ‘what’s wrong?‘ sense and the usual cheerful greeting she uses it as. She doesn’t want to end up seeming paranoid.

“Oh, hey, Rae. Nothing much. Aren’t you supposed to be streaming right now?“ Y/N’s tone raises a bit as they try to apply a bit more energy and enthusiasm into their words, presumably to erase any suspicion that sniffle might’ve caused in their friend who appears to have a sixth sense for when things are up with the people they care about. Or with Y/N specifically.

“Um...“ Rae spares the stream set-up a skeptical look, buying herself time to think of an excuse to partner her negation. She doesn’t want to lie to Y/N but she’s aware that they’ll be quick to ditch the conversation and postpone it if she admits to indeed be streaming. “Um, no, not yet. We scheduled it a bit later. Will you be joining us?“

“Uh, no, sorry, I won’t be able to. I’m sick and feeling like absolute crap so...“

Rae automatically stops listening, not on purpose, she just can’t hear Y/N’s voice over the alarms going off in her head, screaming at here that there’s something SERIOUSLY wrong. The stories not adding up - neither of them making sense to begin with - the lack of any authentic energy in Y/N’s voice, that sniffle she heard at the start of the call. It’s all so scarily wrong that it sends Rae one second away from entering full panic mode.

“I thought you were having technical difficulties.“ She blurts out without any thought of it’d make Y/N feel or how it would change the course of the conversation. 

Y/N inhales sharply as if caught completely off-guard and backed up into a corner, “Oh, yeah, that too. My computer keeps crashing.” Being backed up into a figurative corner doesn’t stop them from trying to further pursue this lie they’ve come up with. A lie so blatant and obvious there’s really no point in them trying to keep it going. Yet they choose to do exactly that.

“Y/N, you’re BSing me, you should know better than that!“ Rae whines almost desperately, “Please, tell me what’s going on? We’re friends, I don’t deserve to be kept in the dark, Y/N!“

There’s silence on the other end, loud silence that almost sends Rae into a breakdown. Some may consider it an overreaction, but let me ask you - wouldn’t you be upset and worried if someone you immensely care about was acting oddly and completely out of character.

“You’re going to think it’s ridiculous.“ Y/N’s voice cracks, letting it be known, clear as day, that they are barely balancing on the edge between keeping it together and crying.

“Of course I won’t, baby! I would never! Talk to me.“ Rae pursues, her heart breaking a little at the sound of her friend’s sadness. It’s taking a really big toll on her, not being able to hold Y/N in her arms instead of trying to gauge out their answers over the phone which is proving to be not at all effective or helpful to either of them.

Y/N sniffles again, “My hamster, Marcy...” She inhales to prevent a sob from escaping her lungs, “...died this morning.”

Rae has heard enough to be sent into action.

                                                            *  *  *

“Thank you so much, Rae. I would’ve probably stayed in bed all day with no effort to keep living whatsoever. You’re an amazing person, I hope you know that.“ Y/N gives the hand of Rae’s that’s holding hers a small squeeze, “I’m so lucky to have you.“

The two friends have been sitting on the couch in Y/N’s living room, the atmosphere a mix of melancholy and comfort. The comfort Rae’s been offering Y/N for the past hour or so has been almost entirely silent, in the form of physical affection, to be exact - hugs, soothing backrubs, gentle abstract patterns drawn on their arm, playing with their hair etc. Needless to say, it’s been far more effective than the attempt of calming them down and helping them out over a phone call.

“Don’t ever thank me for being your friend, Y/N. The honor’s all mine“ Rae rubs Y/N’s shoulder reassuringly, resting her head against theirs.

“Rae, you ditched a whole damn stream for me! Of course I’m gonna thank you! Who else would do that for me?“ Y/N protests, their glossy eyes looking up at Rea, lit up by the small smile that has managed to make its way onto their face.

“Only someone utterly stupid and heartless WOULDN’T do that for you.“ Rae says firmly, holding stern eye-contact with her friend.

Y/N looks away almost shyly, smile growing wider, their cheeks becoming rosier. “You have a way with words, you know...” They bite their lip nervously, “Could you help me express my emotions in the post I’ve been planning to make all day? My fans loved Marcy and I’m sure they’ll be as crushed as I am, I just want to appear strong so they don’t worry about me, you know?” They shrug their shoulders hesitantly as another tear escapes their eye.

Rae carefully and gently wipes their tear away with her knuckles, “Of course, Y/N. You don’t have to do this alone - you don’t have to do ANYTHING alone. Because you are never alone - you’ll always have me.”

Something about what Rae just said and the way she said it has struck a nerve in Y/N that has provoked a few more tears to spill out of their eyes as they somehow manage to whisper a: “Thank you” before throwing their arms around Rae, enveloping her entirely in the warmest of embraces. 

Meanwhile....

“Yo guys, how long does it take for a router to be reset?“ Sykkuno asks his fellow ghostie buds out of the blue.

“Less than five minutes. Why?“ Lily replies.

“Cause Rae said she’d reset her router and be back but she’s been gone for two hours so....“

[hansoulo]

ain’t it a gentle sound (the rolling in the graves) - pt. 6

Pairing: Horacio Carrillo/f!Reader

Warnings: tiny mention of canon-typical violence, fluff!!!! wow imagine that

Word Count: 1.15k

Gif Credit: x by @bobafvtt who is an angel baby that feeds my carrillo addiction

A/N: the ending of this timeline!!! not to worry tho more shall come soon 🤡also ive had “i really like you” by carly rae jepsen stuck in my head since i started this stupid thing and now u all finally get to see why

series masterlist   carrd   playlist 

You looked beautiful when you slept. You always looked beautiful, it didn't really matter when or how or where, but here - in his bed under morning light - you were iridescent. He’d spend hours looking at you if you let him, mapping out every expanse of your skin until he was dizzy with it. With you. Everything with you is softer around the edges, backlight and glowing from the inside out until the entire world is tinged sunburst yellow. Before he had to leave and it was painted scarlet again.

Horacio didn’t want to think about that now, though. It was Saturday morning on a summer day and your arms were slung around his neck. Everything else could wait.

You moved your head from the pillow beside him to rest on his chest, eyes flirting with the idea of opening. Not yet, please. Let me look a little longer.

“What time is it?” you mumbled, slurring and quiet. Your eyelashes brushed his collarbones as you looked up, heavy-lidded and slow. His hands left your waist to cup at your cheeks, fingers skimming sandpaper-light as they smoothed away the furrow of your brow.

“It’s still early,” he assured you, tracing the shell of your ear. “Go back to sleep.” You nodded, your head a dead weight on your neck as you settled.

Your tone was humorous when you met him with a mock salute, whispered and apparently oblivious to the way he sucked in a breath through his teeth at the words. “Yes, sir.”

⫸ ——– ⫷

“Horacio” you spoke into the pillows, muffled by down and cotton. Turning to face him, you were met with the sight of his bare back, rising slowly as he slept. “Isabella’s crying.”

He made a non-committal noise in the back of his throat, the muscles in his shoulders rippling as he shifted. Snorting slightly at the sight of his bedhead, you contemplated the idea of grabbing a camera before getting up, your legs meeting the slight residual chill of morning air when you lifted the covers. The clock on his bedside table read just past six and you groaned, rubbing at your eyes with a sluggish hand as you walked towards the door. Twenty minutes later she was changed and sated, sleeping quietly again for what you hoped would be at least another two hours. Don’t jinx it.

Your bare feet met the cold tile of his kitchen floor as you stepped forward, mind still fogged over and molasses sticky. You could walk around his apartment with your eyes closed, though, so you weren’t too worried.

Coffee would be nice. Yes. Coffee. Motions slow and rehearsed, you opened the cabinet to bring out the mug with the chipped lip, white china smooth against your hands except for the single grained slope that had worn duller after years of rubbing touch. You leaned against the counter as you waited for the pot to fill, the rough granite pushing into your hip but doing little to wake you any further. The mug was filled shortly after and you forgoed any cream or milk, remembering how he only put in ungodly amounts of sugar. You took a hesitant sip, wincing at the heat and bitterness that stuck waxy to the roof of your mouth. You’d make another cup later. He could keep this one.

Setting the mug down on the small stand beside Horacio’s bed, you looked down at him. He looked handsome when he slept. Younger. Less stern, less hard and commanding the way you knew he could be but chose to quell. (Around you, anyway.) You brushed back the hair curling short on his forehead, biting down on your lip to resist the urge to grin like some love-sick teenager. It would be a little fitting, though. Love-sick. Drunk on it. A thing innocent but still shadowed, pressed down on all sides and smothering sweet. Like the faint trailing of a melody, echoing discordant on its reverb.

You lay back down, allowing yourself to be swallowed by the morning sun.

⫸ ——– ⫷

“Are we still just friends?” you teased, your fingers tracing mindless circles across his stomach. A kiss was placed at the crown of your head, slightly chapped.

“I don’t think we ever were just friends,” Horacio said with a small laugh, the words tickling and making you squirm. Humming quietly, you nodded.

“I guess not,” you agreed, shifting on the bed so you could turn and face him. “After all, I don’t think friends do this,” you said as your mouth scraped the stubble of his cheek, drawing out a small huff that fanned over your face. “Or this,” and you let it trail down to the curve of his jaw, the faint taste of salt sticking onto the dull grooves of your teeth.

You were gentle with it - with this broad, carved man that allowed your curiosities - light and saccharine to make up for all the time you had spent waiting, denying yourself of things readily given - a penance made all the more torturous by the cruelty of its beauty. But you were your own god now. “Or this,” you whispered as you finally reached his mouth.

Horacio’s chin dipped down, eyes tracing the swollen flesh of your lips as the pad of his thumb did the same.

You didn’t really believe in destiny but if it meant this, if it meant him, it was suddenly something more tangible. A body you could hold, arms that you knew would open, something that had somehow - slowly and without warning or notice - turned into someone.

“I like you,” you breathed.

“I like you, too.”

“No, I-,” you said a bit desperately, pleading. The words were hot honey in your mouth, dragged and longing for a thing you already had but were terrified of losing. “I really, really like you.” His small chuckle seeped through your hair, broad arms encircling your waist and pulling you in tighter. Lips met your temple, firm but still tender.

You pushed up from where you lay on the bed, hands splayed across his chest to steady yourself as you looked at the man beneath you. The words you had yet to say hung suspended in the air, enveloping the room in a hazy, gaseous thing that tasted bitter,  a bit like almonds and copper, in the back of your throat. You leaned down, gulping air with another press of your mouth against his, open and slotting easy. It was deeper this time - insistent and repeating all the things you both already took as gospel. I love you. I love you. I love you.

You pulled back, shared breaths falling in tandem between two beating chests. Your voice was quiet.

“I love you.”

“I know,” he smiled, a hand coming to cup the nape of your neck, guiding your head down until his lips ghosted across the bow of your mouth, heady smoke and sandalwood exhales prompting your eyes to close. “I love you, too.”

[ursie]

Do you have a favorite love song?

The Only Exception & Still into You by Paramore 

I really really like you and sweetie by Carly Rae Jespen 

Work Song & NFWMB by Hozier 

Danny’s Song by Loggins & Messina 

Fast Car (yes this is a love song ok.) and Baby can I hold you by Tracy Chapman 

Somebody’s Chelsea by Reba McEntire 

Tiny Love (and frankly everyone of his songs) by Mika 

Nothing Compares to you by Prince (though tbh the Sinead O’Conner version is better I’m sorry) 

Your Song by Elton John 

Son of a Preacher Man by Dusty Springfield 

Killing me Softly by Roberta Flack 

I Will Always Love You by Dolly Parton (Whitney is good too I do just prefer Dolly’s version I a, after all-a hick) 

Islands in the Stream by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton 

Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls 

She by Dodie 

Make you Feel my Love by Adele 

Joy of My Life, When I’m With You, Tennessee Whiskey, and Maggie’s Song by Chris Stapleton-the last song is about his dog-you will cry 

Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers 

My Eyes Adored You by Frankie Valli  

this is just off the top of my head I wanted to add like. a billion more but I decided they probs don’t really count as traditional love songs. anyway ily